Summary
A convenient method for determining the overall insulin sensitivity of small animals
was established based on the steady state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration method
of Shen, Reaven and Farguhar (1970). Subcutaneous injection into C57BL/6 mice of saline containing epinephrine,
propranolol, glucose and (3H-3)glucose with or without insulin gave steady state levels of blood glucose (SSBG),
plasma insulin (SSPI) and specific activity of blood glucose (SSBG), plasma insulin
(SSPI) and specific activity of blood glucose after 45 minutes. Glucose turnover (GTN)
and hepatic glucose output (HGO) were computed using specific activity of blood glucose
and the influx rate of injected glucose.
The method was applied to diabetic and insulin resistant mice, KK. There was no difference
in GTN and HGO between KK and C57BL/6 mice regardless of whether insulin was injected
or not. SSPI of both strains increased in the same fashion in response to increasing
doses of the hormone. SSBG of both strains fell in response to increasing SSPI level,
but the response of SSBG was less prominent in KK mice. Consequently, the insulin
dose-response curve of SSBG apparently shifted rightwards in KK mice.
Key-Words:
Overall Insulin Sensitivity
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Steady State Blood Glucose
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Steady State Plasma Insulin
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Glucose Turnover
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Hepatic Glucose Output
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Insulin Resistance
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Diabetes
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KK Mice
