Effects of inhalation of ethyl-ether on glycemia and on some variables of intermediate metabolism in rats.

The influence of a anesthetic, ethyl-ether, on arterial plasma levels of glucose, insulin and lipids was studied in starved Wistar rats. Ethyl-ether increased significantly (P < 0.05) glucose plasma levels, as a result not only of stress and of the release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, but also of the decrease in the use of glucose by the tissues. Ethyl-ether did not change significantly the level of triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids. Insulin concentration was not increased, even when hyperglycemia was established. Ketonuria, acidosis and hypercapnia were increased. In these rats the administration of insulin produced a diminution in glycemia. The findings suggest that, under anesthesia with ether, the endocrine pancreas is incapable of recognizing glucose as a specific stimulus to promote the release of insulin.