Calorigenic Actions of Oleic Acid and Glucagon Infusions in Anesthetized Dogs 1

Summary

Infusion of oleic acid at the rate of 1.0 mmole/kg/hr for 1 hr produced significant elevations of oxygen uptake in anesthetized dogs. The elevations of oxygen uptake (ml O₂/kg/min) after 30 min of infusion showed a high correlation with the corresponding elevations of plasma FFA (r = 0.91, N = 17, P < 0.01). Glucagon infusion produced elevation of oxygen uptake, as previously described. The increase in oxygen uptake produced by glucagon was the same when the hormone was infused alone and when it was infused during the infusion of oleic acid. Statistical analysis showed no interaction between the calorigenic effects of oleic acid and glucagon infusions. It is concluded that the calorigenic actions produced by infusing oleic acid and glucagon are additive and mediated by independent mechanisms.