In hepatocytes from lean mice vasopressin decreased ketogenesis and increased 14CO2 production from [1-14C]oleate and glucose release; these effects were Ca2+-dependent. None of these effects of vasopressin were obtained with hepatocytes from obese (ob/ob) mice. Similarly, adrenaline did not increase 14CO2 production in these hepatocytes, but it stimulated glucose release. Possible reasons for the impairment of vasopressin action are discussed.
