Abstract
The insluin-like activity of oxytocin, in stimulating glucose oxidation in several tissues, has been demonstrated recently. This study on the effect of oxytocin on the plasma glucose level was made during induction of labor.
Plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol and adrenalin levels were measured during oxytocinor prostaglandin F (PGF2α)-induced labor. Oxytocin (8.3 mU/min) or PGF2α (10 g/min) was given to normal pregnant women at term.
The plasma oxytocin level was significantly higher in labor induced by oxytocin than in labor induced by PGF2α. The plasma glucose level was decreased by oxytocin, while PGF2α, caused no significant change. Plasma insulin, glucagon, cortisol and adrenalin levels did not change during labor induced by either oxytocin or PGF2α.
Further more, at the same duration and interval of uterine contraction, oxytocin decreased the plasma glucose level, while PGF2α had no effect.
These findings suggest that the decrease in plasma gluose during oxytocin-induced labor is not due to uterine contraction or insulin secretion, but may be due to an increase in glucose oxidation in the tissues.
Oxytocin, in addition to its known physiological roles, may have further metabolic roles and it should be studied for its possible therapeutic use for diabetic patients.
