Stress and epinephrine release in cats might cause an increase in which parameter?

Stress and epinephrine release in cats might cause an increase in which parameter?

• A. BUN
• B. Total protein
• C. ALT
• D. Glucose

Answer: (D)

Acute stress triggers a surge of epinephrine that raises blood glucose. Epinephrine acts on the liver to rapidly convert stored glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and also promotes the production of new glucose (gluconeogenesis). It also dampens insulin release, reducing glucose uptake by tissues, so the amount of glucose in the bloodstream increases quickly. This rapid, transient hyperglycemia is a classic metabolic response to sympathetic stimulation in cats. The other parameters don’t rise in this immediate, adrenaline-driven way. BUN can be influenced by hydration and kidney function, ALT rises with liver injury, and total protein tends to stay relatively stable in the short term.

Acute stress triggers a surge of epinephrine that raises blood glucose. Epinephrine acts on the liver to rapidly convert stored glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and also promotes the production of new glucose (gluconeogenesis). It also dampens insulin release, reducing glucose uptake by tissues, so the amount of glucose in the bloodstream increases quickly. This rapid, transient hyperglycemia is a classic metabolic response to sympathetic stimulation in cats.

The other parameters don’t rise in this immediate, adrenaline-driven way. BUN can be influenced by hydration and kidney function, ALT rises with liver injury, and total protein tends to stay relatively stable in the short term.