Effects of Oxytocin on Liver Metabolism

Comparative Study of Normal and Diabetic Live

Abstract

It is well established that the plasma level of oxytocin as well as of vasopressin is markedly elevated in the hypovolemic state. However, it remains to be established whether oxytocin has any role in the severe diabetic state accompanied by hypovolemia. In the present study, the effects of oxytocin on liver metabolism in the presence of 10mM L-alanine were observed in isolated perfused livers from 20-hour-fasted normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oxytocin had a direct effet on the stimulation of gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. These increases due to oxytocin (1×10-⁷M) were similar to those due to vasopressin (0.8mU/ml) and glucagon (2.86×10^-7M). Insulinat the physiological concentration suppressed the oxytocin-induced gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis, and this inhibition was more marked in the normal state than in the diabetic state. These results strongly suggest that oxytocin plays a role in the aggravation of metabolic disorders in the severe diabetic state.