Effect of prostaglandins on catecholamine induced changes in the free fatty acids of plasma in the rabbit

ABSTRACT

Prostaglandins E[1], E[2], E[3] and F[1] alpha were given intravenously to anesthetize rabbits during continuous infusion of norepinephrine. PGE[2] and PGE[3] in doses of 5 micrograms all significantly reduced the arterial concentration of free fatty acids of plasma [FFA], while the same dose of PGF[1] alpha had no significant effect. Continuous intraarterial infusions of PGE[1] during continuous infusion of norepinephrine had a more pronounced effect on FFA than continuous intravenous infusion. Infusion of PGE[1], almost completely blocked the usual increase of FFA caused by epinephrine, PGE[1]diminished the plasma glucose response to epinephrine only slightly. Studies on the turnover rate of FFA with labeled albumin bound palmitate showed that PGE[1]completely blocked the norepinephrine induced stimulation of lipid mobilization. Infusion of PGE[1]during continous infusion of norepinephrine also decreased the elevated plasma glycerol concentration