Effect of insulin on glucose metabolism in the dog after portacaval transposition

¹ Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School; Department of Surgical Research, Hektoen Institute, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; and Departments of Surgery, University of Colorado and Denver Veterans Administration Hospital, Denver, Colorado

The effect of insulin on hepatic glucose metabolism was studied by a multiple-catheter technique in unanesthetized dogs with Eck fistula and with portacaval transposition. With the latter preparation, blood entering and leaving the liver was sampled from peripherally inserted catheters. In the unanesthetized Eck-fistula animals, insulin infusion produced a decrease in the hepatic glucose output. In the dogs with portacaval transposition, a constant infusion of insulin was given alternately by systemic and by intraportal routes. There was no significant difference between the effects of insulin administered by the two routes. During insulin infusion, glucose concentration differences across the liver were reduced, hepatic plasma flow was transiently elevated, and hepatic glucose output was decreased. After discontinuance of insulin, there was a transient rise of hepatic glucose output to above control values.

Key Words: hepatic glucose metabolism • hepatic blood flow • Eck fistula • hepatic glucose response to insulin

Submitted on June 1, 1964