Insulin Affects Glucose Uptake by Muscle and Mammary Tissues of Lactating Ewes

Abstract

Effects of insulin on exchanges of glucose across skeletal muscle and mammary tissue were measured in short-term studies in lactating ewes. Insulin secretion was suppressed by a primed/continuous infusion of somatostatin, then insulin was administered by continuous intravenous infusion of doses that were increased, in a step-wise manner, from 0 to 2 U h -I. Plasma glucose was maintained essentially constant by frequent monitoring and intravenous administration of exogenous glucose.