Effects of insulin on human beta-adrenoceptors.

The effect of insulin on beta-adrenoceptor stimulation and binding in mononuclear leucocytes from healthy subjects was studied. After 1 min exposure to insulin, the sensitivity and maximum response to (-)-isoprenaline and the number of beta-adrenoceptors increased. After 35 min exposure to insulin, the sensitivity and maximal response to (-)-isoprenaline stimulation were lower than the pretreatment values. The beta-adrenoceptor density was similar to the control value after 35 min exposure to insulin. The present observations may account for some of the cardiovascular effects of insulin.