Adrenergic mechanisms in the hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia of diabetic KK mice.

Simultaneous occurrence of hyperglycaemia (up to 300 mg/100 ml) and hyperinsulinaemia (up to 1200 mu U/ml) was evident in the fed state in genetically diabetic KK mice, indicating insulin resistance. The hyperinsulinaemia was enhanced by alpha-adrenergic blockade and alleviated by B-blockade. Epinephrine-induced hyperglycaemia and isoproterenol-induced hyperinsulinaemia, both of which could be blocked by beta-adrenergic antagonists, were more marked in KK mice than in ICR mice. A possible significance of adrenergic mechanisms is discussed with respect to the aetiology of the metabolic disturbances characteristic of KK mice.