In vitro influence of hormones on transport of glucose and glycogen in liver and muscle of pinealectomised pigeons, Columba livia Gmellin.

To substantiate the increased peripheral utilization of blood glucose by pineal in wild pigeons, an in vitro study on the ability of liver and muscle slices of intact and pinealectomised wild pigeons (C. livia) in terms of uptake and release of glucose, and deposition and depletion of glycogen, in presence of insulin, acetylcholine, glucagon and adrenaline has been undertaken. A total insensitivity of liver and muscle of pinealectomised birds for glycogen deposition and insensitivity of liver for glucose uptake has been observed. Increased glucose release from liver in response to adrenalin has been observed. The results are discussed in terms of involvement of pineal in metabolic regulation associated with breeding activities.