Different effects of hypothermia on insulin and glucagon secretion from the isolated perfused rat pancreas.

Two series of experiments with the isolated perfused rat pancreas were performed in parallel. The conditions differed only with respect to temperature, which was 37.5 degrees C in one series and 28 degrees C in the other. The lowering of the temperature decreased insulin secretion induced by glucose as well as the insulin response to tolbutamide and acetylcholine. Unlike insulin, glucagon secretion was not significantly modified by hypothermia. Our results suggest that the mechanisms involved in glucagon and insulin secretion are different.