Involvement of adrenaline in diazepam-induced hyperglycemia in mice.

Diazepam-elicited hyperglycemia in mice was inhibited by adrenalectomy and the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, although it was unaffected by pretreatment with the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor dexamethasone. Diazepam-induced hyperglycemia was prevented by the alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, while the beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptor antagonists, metoprolol and ICI 118 551, did not affect it. Furthermore, diazepam increased plasma adrenaline levels in mice. These results suggest that diazepam-induced hyperglycemia is closely related to adrenaline release from the adrenal gland.