Replying to elaine elder 12/10/2021 - 17:52
Hey Elaine!
They do indeed! Various studies have shown that α2-agonists reduce the perioperative levels of stress-related hormones and thus attenuate the stress response of surgery in dogs. Alpha2-agonists, typically xylazine, have been reported to induce an increase in serum glucose by suppressing insulin release, stimulating glucagon release, or both, in β and α cells of the pancreas, respectively. However, medetomidine given at doses of 10 and 20 μg/kg BW, IV, decreased insulin values significantly but was not found to alter plasma glucose concentrations in normal beagles. Differences in plasma glucose concentrations are likely associated with the greater specificity of medetomidine, compared with that of xylazine, at the α2-adrenoreceptors. The hyperglycemia associated with xylazine has been attributed to the actions at both the α2- and α1-adrenoreceptors.
The following study did demonstrate this effect in cats:
Effects of dexmedetomidine on glucose homeostasis in healthy cats
Abstract
Objectives
Alpha(α)2-agonist administration has been documented to increase blood glucose concentrations in many species. The aim of this study was to further describe the effect of dexmedetomidine on glucose and its regulatory hormones in healthy cats.
Methods
A randomized crossover study using eight healthy cats with a 14 day washout period was used to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IV) and saline on glucose, cortisol, insulin, glucagon and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations at 0, 20, 60, 120 and 180 mins post-administration. Glucose:insulin ratios were calculated for each time point.
Results
Within the dexmedetomidine group, significant differences (P <0.05) were detected: increased median (range) blood glucose concentrations at 60 mins (11.55 mmol/l [5.9–16.6 mmol/l]) and 120 mins (12.0 mmol/l [6.1–13.8 mmol/l]) compared with baseline (6.05 mmol/l [4.8–13.3 mmol/l]); decreased glucagon concentrations at 120 mins (3.8 pmol/l [2.7–8.8 pmol/l]) and 180 mins (4.7 pmol/l [2.1–8.2 pmol/l]) compared with baseline (11.85 pmol/l [8.3–17.2 pmol/l]); decreased NEFA concentrations at 60 mins (0.281 mmol/l [0.041–1.357 mmol/l]) and 120 mins (0.415 mmol/l [0.035–1.356 mmol/l]) compared with baseline (0.937 mmol/l [0.677–1.482 mmol/l]); and significantly larger (P <0.05) glucose:insulin ratios at 60 mins compared with baseline. Insulin and cortisol concentrations were not significantly changed after dexmedetomidine administration.
Conclusions and relevance
Feline practitioners should be aware of the endocrine effects associated with the use of α2-agonists, particularly when interpreting blood glucose concentrations. The transient effects of dexmedetomidine on glucose homeostasis are unlikely to significantly affect clinical practice.
Hope that helps.
Scott 🙂
