Effect of Insulin on Glucose Uptake by the Uterus of the Rat,in vitro,During Contraction and Relaxation. ∗

Summary

a) Glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity have been determined in vitro for uteri from normal and pregnant rats (at the end of pregnancy) during periods of relaxation, spontaneous contraction, Tensilon-enhanced spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine-induced tetanic contraction. b) Though glucose was taken up by the muscle in tetanic contraction, there was greater glucose uptake of the uteri during the period of relaxation, c) Uteri during the imperfect acetylcholine-induced tetanic contraction are sensitive to insulin, whereas those in almost absolute contraction, obtained from rats at the end of pregnancy, are not. d) Glucose uptake is also increased when the intensity and frequency of the contractions of the nonpregnant uterus are stimulated with Tensilon.