Glycogenolysis Subject

P-Adrenoceptors have been subdivided into P - and P2-adrenoceptors. A third subset called nontypical P-adrenoceptors or P -adrenoceptors have been described but are stiU the subject of debate. In terms of the interactions with various subsets of P-adrenoceptors, some antagonists are nonselective in that they antagonize the effects of activation of both P - and P2-adrenoceptors, whereas others are selective for either P - or P2-adrenoceptors. P - and P2-adrenoceptors coexist in almost all organs but generally, one type predominates. The focus herein is on the clinically relevant P -adrenoceptor-mediated effects on heart and on P2-adrenoceptor-mediated effects on smooth muscles of blood vessels and bronchioles, the insulin-secreting tissue of the pancreas, and skeletal muscle glycogenolysis for side effects profile (36). 

Glycogen phosphorylase isoenzymes have been isolated from liver, brain and skeletal muscle. All forms are subject to covalent control with conversion of the inactive forms (GP-b) to the active forms (GP-a) by phosphorylation on specific serine residues. This phosphorylation step, mediated by the enzyme phosphorylase kinase, is initiated by glucagon stimulation of the hepatocyte. Indeed, the same cAMP cascade which inhibits glycogen synthesis simultaneously stimulates glycogenolysis, giving us an excellent example of reciprocal control. 

The glycogenesis and glycogenolysis enzymes subject to hormonal control are glycogen synthase and phosphorylase, respectively. Briefly, glycogen synthase is inhibited by high cellular cAMP and Ca2+ levels, whereas phorphorylase is stimulated. The mechanisms for accomplishing this are quite complex. 

Autonomic outputs. Hypoglycaemia and hypothermia both lead to snstained sympathetic responses. Subjects feel hungry and eat if possible, bnt they refine their other actions to suit the circumstances. Hypoglycaemia requires hepatic glycogenolysis and glnconeogenesis, while hypothermia requires increased heat prodnction and a redistribntion of blood flow. Sympathetic activity is controlled by the hypothalamns, which instrncts the adrenal medulla to secrete adrenalin. This is a rather blunt control, and so localised sympathetic responses (such as blood flow regulation) are mediated by individnal nerves. Parasympathetic activity can also respond to the hypothalamus, which controls the nnclens of the solitary tract. 

X. Chen, N. Iqbal, and G. Boden The effects of free fatty acids on gluconeo-genesis and glycogenolysis in normal subjects. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 103, 365 (1999). 

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