Oxidation of Free Fatty Acids by Skeletal Muscle during Rest and Electrical Stimulation in Control and Diabetic Dogs ∗

Summary

The uptake and oxidation of FFA by skeletal muscle were studied in anesthetized, control dogs during rest, electrical stimulation, recovery, and DNP administration. Similar studies were also conducted in diabetic animals during rest, stimulation, and recovery. During rest, skeletal muscle removed about 40% of the labeled FFA and oxidized 36% of the removed amount. During skeletal muscle stimulation, the oxidation of FFA increased. During the recovery period, FFA oxidation was very low and accounted for about 12% of the uptake. The DNP also increased FFA oxidation. Both the uptake and oxidation of FFA by skeletal muscle were elevated in diabetic dogs and a significant uptake of β-hydroxybutyrate was also noted. A further increase of FFA oxidation occurred during stimulation. During recovery, only 7% of the removed FFA was oxidized and glucose uptake was high.