Effects of 1-methyl-2-(beta-naphthyl)-aziridine (250059-S), which possesses characteristic tranquilizing actions on levels of
blood glucose and liver glygogen, and on
adrenaline release from the adrenal gland were studied in rats. While there was no elevation of
blood glucose, a decrease of
liver glycogen was detected after an s.c. injection of
250059-S (5 or 25 mg/kg). Marked decrease of
adrenaline content in adrenal glands was observed 2 hours after subcutaneous administration of 50 mg/kg of this compound. This result is consistent with the marked
adrenaline secretion from the adrenal gland into adrenal-venous blood after injection of 25 mg/kg or more of
250059-S. In splanchnicotomized rats, however, 250059-S-induced
adrenaline release was not clearly observed. Pretreatment with
250059-S, prevented
adrenaline-induced
hyperglycemia.
250059-S, at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg, elevated the plasma
insulin level to about twice that of the control. The 250059-S-induced depletion of
liver glycogen was not completely blocked by adrenal demedullation, although it completely disappeared with pretreatment with 10 mg/kg of
propranolol. In conclusion,
250059-S causes hypersecretion of
adrenaline from the adrenal glands through excitation of the splanchnic nerves, though it causes no elevation of
blood glucose, mainly because of its direct or indirect blocking action on
adrenaline hyperglycemia.