The Effect of Intravenous Infusion of Acetate on Glucose-Induced Insulin Secretion in Sheep

The effect of intravenous infusion of acetate on glucose-induced insulin secretion in sheep was examined. Intravenous infusion of acetate at the dose of 10-6, 10-5 and 10-4mol/kg/min for 130 min did not affect both concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin. Glucose injection (0.5mmol/kg) increased plasma glucose concentration similar in any infusion of acetate and physiological saline. The concentration of plasma insulin after glucose injection under the acetate infusion was higher than under the saline infusion. The degree of the enhancement effect of acetate on glucose-induced insulin secretion was similar in any infusion rate of 10-6, 10-5 and 10-4mol/kg/min. Though acetate in blood may not stimulate insulin secretion strongly, it may be able to activate the response of pancreatic B cell to glucose in sheep.