Adrenaline and Blood Lipids

Abstract

ADRENALINE has a powerful effect on carbohydrate metabolism. The effect of this hormone on nitrogen excretion has also been studied¹. However, little is known about its effect on blood lipids. In the present work, adrenaline was administered in doses of 1 mgm. to normal individuals after a 14-hr. fasting period. Blood samples were taken initially and every hour for 4 hr. after the injection. In all samples total lipids and phospholipid phosphorus were measured. For the determination of total fats the following method was used² : 0.1 ml. of plasma was applied to a filter paper and dried. The filter paper was previously washed with alcohol/ether solution 3 : 1. The paper with the dried plasma was soaked for 60 min. in a sudan black solution (100 mgm. of the dye in 100 ml. of 50 per cent ethanol) and then washed three times for 15 min. with 50 per cent ethanol. The spots were cut and eluted in 6 ml. of 25 per cent acetic acid in ethanol. The colour density was determined at 590 µm. The results are expressed in mgm. of lipids per 100 ml. A calibration curve was prepared by using a standard solution of purified olive oil (1 per cent in a hot mixture of alcohol/ether 3 : 1). It was noticed from preliminary experiments that by this method nearly all lipids are measured. This method is more sensitive for determination of plasma lipids than visible lipæmia, and proved satisfactory for routine work.