Mutual additivity of hormonal and non-hormonal stimulation of gluconeogenesis.

Possible mutual additivity of the stimulating effects of fatty acids and alpha-adrenergic agents on gluconeogenesis was examined using isolated rat liver cells. Adrenaline or noradrenaline alone stimulated gluconeogenesis from lactate by 34% both in the absence and presence of propranolol. Oleate or acetate alone stimulated gluconeogenesis by 76% and 45%, respectively; propranolol did not influence the effects. Simultaneous administration of alpha-adrenergic agents with oleate or acetate increased gluconeogenesis by 110% and 90-100%, respectively, thus documenting mutual additivity of hormonal and non-hormonal stimulation; propranolol did not affect the mutual additivity of the effects observed.