Effects of salicylate on adrenal function and carbohydrate metabolism in rats

Abstract

This work includes a study of the effects of therapeutic doses of sodium salicylate in normal, adrenalectomized and diabetic rats. In normal rats, salicylate caused a fall in liver glycogen, hyperglycemia and diminution of ascorbic acid content of adrenal gland. In adrenalectomized rats, salicylate produced fall in both liver glycogen and blood glucose. In alloxan diabetic rats, salicylate caused a rapid fall in blood glucose and adrenal ascorbic acid content while no change in liver glycogen was produced. The results showed that the effects of salicylate on carbohydrate metabolism in rats are not only due to the stimulation of adrenals but also other mechanisms are concerned. It seems that salicylate affects the activity of enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism in the liver, muscles and tissues.