Acute metabolic effects of clenbuterol in calves.

The acute metabolic effects of clenbuterol were studied in calves. Clenbuterol was given intravenously at a dose of 1 microgram/kg body weight. Glucagon was used to increase insulin secretion. Pretreatment with clenbuterol did not change the glucagon-induced hyperglycaemia, but the serum levels of insulin were significantly higher. Clenbuterol showed a significant lipolytic effect. The post prandial increases in glucose and insulin were significantly higher in clenbuterol treated calves. The findings are in accordance with results from earlier studies where clenbuterol was given orally in much higher doses.