[The effect of an infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium and of heparin on the plasma free fatty acid levels and on blood glucose].

In the treatment of acute myocardial infarction infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIP) and/or heparin are frequently administered. The effect of an infusion of GIP, heparin or GIP plus heparin on the concentration of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and blood glucose was studied over a period of 90 min in 10 healthy volunteers. GIP caused a continuous decrease in the FFA level to 34% of the initial value. There was only a slight increase in blood glucose concentration. After the administration of heparin, a rapid increase was observed in the FFA level to nearly the double value of the initial concentration. Thereafter, the FFA level decreased in spite of continuous heparin infusion and after 90 min the FFA level was only 13% above the initial value. Heparin had no effect on the blood glucose concentration. The simultaneous administration of GIP plus heparin caused a rapid increase in FFA concentration, of the same magnitude as observed with heparin alone. Thereafter, the FFA level decreased slightly faster than with heparin alone. In some subjects, GIP plus heparin caused a substantially higher increase in blood glucose concentration than GIP alone. The possible implications of these metabolic effects on the course of acute myocardial infarction are discussed.