Apr 7, 2021
Insulin and Adrenergic Receptors
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors inhibit insulin secretion
Beta-2 adrenergic receptors stimulate insulin secretion
The alpha-2-mediated inhibitory effect is generally predominant, causing sympathetic stimulation to lead to an overall inhibition of insulin secretion. However, if we were to block alpha-2 prior to catecholamine release/injection, then there would be an increase in insulin secretion because the beta-2 adrenergic receptors would only be open.