Carbohydrate-induced thermogenesis and its modification by the beta-blocker propranolol.

Thermogenesis induced by carbohydrates of differing chemical complexity has been investigated. In piglets aged 6-10 weeks and fed standard feed, doubling the energy intake with glucose did not alter the resting oxygen consumption 12-21 hr after a meal. Addition of sucrose or glucose polymer to standard feed increased the resting rate of oxygen consumption slightly. Nevertheless the rate was still considerably less than after a meal of complex carbohydrate. Although propranolol had no effect on metabolic rate immediately after a meal high in glucose, it reduced the rate significantly after 7-15 hr.