NITRIC OXIDE-RELATED PANCREATIC ENDOCRINE RESPONSES TO HYPERGLYCEMIA IN THE CONSCIOUS CALF

Mean plasma insulin concentration was reduced and mean plasma glucose concentration increased following the administration of N-nitro-L-argi nine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 mu mol kg(-1) i.a.) in conscious calves given continuous infusions of exogenous glucose (30-60 mu mol min(-1) kg(-1) i.v.). It is concluded that the rise in plasma insulin concent ration which occurs in these animals in response to glucose is mediate d, at least in part, by a nitric oxide-related factor (NOx).