The regulation of blood glucose level in physical and emotional stress models: Possible involvement of adrenergic and glucocorticoid systems

Abstract

This study was done to determine the effect of stress on blood glucose regulation in ICR mice. The stress was induced by the electrical foot shock-witness model. Blood glucose level was found to be increased in the electrical foot shock-induced physical stress group. Furthermore, the blood glucose levels were also elevated in the emotional stress group in both physical and emotional stress groups. The blood glucose level reached maximum 30 min after stress stimulation and returned to normal level 2 h after stress stimulation in both physical and emotional stress groups. Subsequently, we observed that intraperitoneal injection of phentolamine (an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) or RU486 (a glucocorticoid receptor blocker) significantly inhibited blood glucose level induced by both physical and emotional stress. The results of our study suggest that physical and emotional stress increases blood glucose level via activation of adrenergic and glucocorticoid system.

Activation of spinal α2 adrenergic receptors induces hyperglycemia in mouse though activating sympathetic outflow

“…Furthermore, we found in the present study that spinal injection of yohimbine alone did not alter the blood glucose level. This finding is different from our recent finding in that systemically administered yohimbine alone decreases the blood glucose level (Sim et al, 2010). Thus, it is suggested that α 2 -drenergic receptors located peripherally appear to be tonically involved in the regulation of the blood glucose level, whereas α 2 -drenergic receptors located in the spinal cord may not.…”

“…Several lines of evidence suggest that one of the important functions of adrenergic system is the regulation of the blood glucose level. For example, we have recently reported that α-adrenergic receptors are involved in the up-regulation of the blood glucose level induced by stress as well as pain stimulation (Sim et al, 2010).…”

Involvement of α2-adrenergic receptor in the regulation of the blood glucose level induced by immobilization stress

“…The results of the present study are, in part, in line with that observed in our previous study, that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of yohimbine inhibits physical and emotional stress-induced blood glucose level (Sim et al 2010). Furthermore, (Bialik et al 1998) reported that yohimbine administered i.p.…”

Adrenergic System Activation Mediates Changes in Cardiovascular and Psychomotoric Reactions in Young Individuals after Red Bull©Energy Drink Consumption

“…This significant increment can be attributed to intake of almost 56 g of sugars (glucose 10,5 g and saccharose 43 g) in 500 mL of Red Bull © . However, it has been shown that activation of adrenergic system via physical or emotional stress increases blood glucose levels (max glucose levels reached 30 minutes after stress stimulation) [37]. Furthermore, the effects of caffeine, particularly on glucose metabolism in the sedentary state are detrimental.…”