Effect of Ammonium Chloride Acidosis on the Oral Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity of Normal Rats

Moderate systemic acidosis (pH 6.97-7.20) was produced in rats by the oral administration of ammonium chloride. The rats were treated for two and one-half days, and during this period had free access to food. The effect of this degree of metabolic acidosis on glucose tolerance was studied by determining the plasma glucose response to an oral glucose load (3 gm./kg. body weight) and the effect of acidosis on insulin sensitivity was estimated by measuring in vitro glucose oxidation of isolated epididymal fat pads. It was not possible to demonstrate a significant effect of acidosis in either instance, and it is concluded that moderate acidosis in the absence of starvation, has a relatively modest effect on glucose tolerance and on adipose tissue responsiveness to insulin.