Adrenomedullary Response to 2–Deoxyglucose in the Hypothyroid, Euthyroid, and Hyperthyroid Rat

Johnson, D. G. Adrenomedullary response to 2–deoxyglucose in the hypothyroid, euthyroid, and hyperthyroid rat. Acta physiol. scand. 1965. 65. 337–343. — Hypothyroid animals show an increased hyperglycemic response to 2–deoxyglucose (2–DG) administration, while hyperthyroid animals show a decreased response when compared to euthyroid controls. This quantitative difference in response is reflected in a much greater depletion of the adrenaline content of the adrenals of the hypothyroid animals, while the hyperthyroid animals appear less depleted than euthyroid cofitrols. Estimation of urinary catecholamine excretion following 2–DG administration indicates that the hypothyroid rats excrete much larger amounts of adrenaline than the other groups. The hearts of all animals treated with 2–DG contain increased absolute and relative amounts of adrenaline, with the largest absolute increase being seen in the hyperthyroid animals. These results suggest that the adrenomedullary response to cellular glucopenia is modified by the thyroid status. This action may be exerted either at the level of the adrenal medulla itself or on the blood glucose receptor neurons of the hypothalamus.