Effect of ACTH on glucose uptake by hepatic cells and its effect on hepatic enzymes in presence of insulin and acetylcholine.

An intrinsic hypoglycaemic activity has been attributed to ACTH. This action of ACTH is essentially mediated by increased insulin secretion. In the present study, the direct action of ACTH on glucose uptake by pigeon hepatocytes has been studied by in vitro technique. The results have shown that ACTH has a direct influence on glucose uptake and this action is not additive in presence of insulin. Glucose uptake in presence ACTH with Acetylcholine was not any more than what was obtained with ACTH alone. These observations have been taken to indicate a non-existence of synergistic action of ACTH with insulin or acetylcholine in promoting glucose uptake by avian liver cells.