The metabolism of glucose, acetate, palmitate, stearate and oleate in pigs

Abstract

1. Isotope dilution techniques were used to measure the rates of entry and oxidation of glucose, acetate, palmitate, stearate and oleate in fed and fasted (16 h) pigs.2. Glucose entry rates measured in eight fed and five fasted (16 h) pigs were 20.6 and 8.0 mg/min per kg0.75(mean values) respectively. The entry rates in fed pigs were lower than the calculated rates of glucose uptake from the alimentary tract, and the validity of glucose entry rates determined under these conditions is discussed.3. Acetate entry rates were unrelated to the fibre content of the diet, and acetate produced from endogenous metabolism was the main contributor to total acetate production.4. Increased rates of entry and oxidation of palmitate, stearate and oleate were observed in fasted pigs.5. Glucose production in fasted pigs was inhibited by raising the concentration of blood glucose. Infusion of insulin in the fed pig caused a decrease in glucose production and a simultaneous reduction in the mobilization of free fatty acids. When blood glucose concentrations fell below about 55 mg/100 ml the release of free fatty acid into the circulation was restored.