A MODEL OF THE FUEL-TENSION REGULATORY SYSTEM

Resumen

The model is a sketch of a (theoretical) physical device containing electric components, and is chiefly focused on the maintainance of glycemic homeostasis. It is mainly composed of DC motor-generator groups, electric circuits and storage batteries. The model represents the actions and interactions which regulate releasing, blood concentration and tissue utilization of: a. The main energetic fuels (glucose and free fatty acids); b. Certain substances directly involved in the metabolism of the former (triglycerides, glycerol, lactate and amino acids) ; and c. Some hormones whose actions are related to these regulation (insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, glucocorticoids, growth hormone and its releasing factor and corticotropin and its releasing factor). Nervous action is also indicated.
Some clue intracellular transformations in liver, muscle and adipose tissue, together with synthesis and utilization of storage material (glycogen, storage protein and fat) are modeled.
In the endocrine organs (endrocrine pancreas, neuroendocrine hypothalamus, part of the adenohypophysis, adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla) hormonal secretion is modeled.
Nervous system is considered as a black box whose inputs and outputs parlicipate in the control of the system.
The general input of the system is represented by the sporadic ingestion of glucose, triglycerides and amino acids. The general output is represented by glucose and free fatty acid expenditure in muscle, and by glucose expenditure in the nervous system.
The model could be a very good mnemotechnic device. Further, it might be physically reproduced or be set up in an analog computer, and used as a research devise to obtain the trend in any of the variables when others are changed.
The explanatory text, quoting an ample bibliography, is at the same time a synthesis of the modern data on the problem.