Glucose infusion clamp study

Metabolic blood parameters are assayed in anesthetized male rats using a modified method of glucose clamp studies in rodents (Terrettaz and Jeanrenaud 1983). Four to 6 rats per group (vehicle control and one dose of the candidate compound) are used. Rats are anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium (60 mg/kg), tracheotomized, and one jugular vein per rat is cannulated for intravenous infusion the other vein is prepared for collection of blood samples. Anesthesia is maintained for up to 7 hours by subcutaneous infusion of pentobarbital sodium (adjusted to the anesthetic depth of the individual animal about 24 mg/kg/h). Body temperature is monitored with a rectal probe thermometer, and temperature is maintained at 37 °C by means of a heated surgical table. Blood samples for glucose analysis (10 il) are obtained from the tip of the tail every 15 minutes, and for lactate analysis (20 p.1) every... 

Whole-body insulin sensitivity is calculated as the mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) during the last 60 min of the clamp study. 

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