Effects of epinephrine, corticotropin, and thyrotropin on lipolysis and glucose oxidation in rat adipose tissue.

(Log dose)-response curves have been determined for lipolysis and for the conversion of glucose-(14)C to (14)CO(2) by adipose tissue from rats in the presence of epinephrine, corticotropin, and thyrotropin. The stimulatory effect of epinephrine on lipolysis was greater than that of corticotropin or thyrotropin. Lipolysis induced by epinephrine was inhibited by propranolol but only slightly by phenoxybenzamine, whereas lipolysis induced by corticotropin was inhibited by phenoxybenzamine to a much greater extent than by propranolol. Neither blocking drug had a pronounced effect on the response to thyrotropin. Epinephrine stimulated the oxidation of glucose-(14)C to CO(2) more than did either thyrotropin or corticotropin. Moreover, epinephrine stimulated the conversion of glucose-(14)C to CO(2) and fatty acids even when lipolysis was not increased. These studies indicate that epinephrine can affect glucose utilization independently of its effect on lipolysis.