[The calorigenic effect of glucagon].

The calorigenic action of glucagon was studied in several species by measuring its effect on the oxygen comsumption. The calorigenic effect was most pronounced in the quail and also evident in young adult rats of two different strains but not in mice and guinea pigs. The influence of various drugs on the calorigenic effect of glucagon was investigated in rats. Ganglionic blocking agents (hexamethonium, mecamylamine, chlorisondamine) as well as adrenergic blocking drugs (propranolol, butoxamine, phentolamine) greatly reduced the glucagon-induced calorigenesis but after pretreatment with reserpine, guanethidine or chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine the calorigenic effect of glucagon was exaggerated. It was somewhat diminished by nicotinic acid but not by chlorpromazine or lithium and potentiated by cocaine but not by theophylline.--These results are not indicative for an involvement of adenly cyclase--cyclic AMP--system in glucagon-induced calorigenesis but they are compatible with the assumption that the hormone enhances the metabolic rate by releasing catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.