Thyroid function in adrenaline-induced changes in the intermediary metabolism of the chequered water-snake (Natrix piscator).

Injection of adrenaline in ten daily doses of 100 micrograms each into the chequered water-snake, Natrix piscator, stimulated glycogenolysis and lipid esterification in the liver and lipolysis in the adipose tissue of control snakes. In both thyroidectomized and control snakes plasma protein levels decreased significantly after hormone treatment, although there was no change in concentrations of muscle glycogen and plasma lactic acid. In thyroidectomized snakes, the hormone stimulated oxidation of the free fatty acids but had no significant effect on the synthesis of the triglycerides. It is suggested that in these snakes the presence of the thyroid hormones is a prerequisite for the response of most of the metabolic processes to adrenaline.