ISSN:
1439-6327
Keywords:
Key words Insulin
;
Liver glycogenolysis
;
Hyperglycemia
;
Liver biopsies
;
Exercise
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a higher hepatic glycogen level is associated with higher glucagon-induced hepatic glycogen depletion. Four groups of anesthetized rats received three injections (at times 0, 30, and 60 min) of glucagon (intravenously, 20 μg/kg). Among these groups, hepatic glycogen levels had previously been manipulated either by an overloading diet (Fast-refed), a reduction in food intake (1/2-fast), or exercise (75 min of running, 26 m/min, 0% grade). A fourth group had normal hepatic glycogen levels. A fifth group of rats was injected only with saline (0.9% NaCl). Liver glycogen concentrations were measured every 30 min during the course of the 90-min experiment, using liver samples obtained from the open liver biopsy technique. Plasma glucagon concentrations were significantly higher (P 〈 0.05) in the glucagon-injected groups than in the saline-injected group. As expected, liver glycogen levels were significantly higher (P 〈 0.01; 1.6-fold) in the Fast-refed group than in all other groups. Glucagon-induced decreases in liver glycogen concentrations were similar in Fast-refed than in normally fed and exercised rats when the overall 90-min period was considered. However, during the course of the last 30-min period, liver glycogen was significantly (P 〈 0.01) decreased only in the Fast-refed group. The Fast-refed, normally fed, and exercised groups had a similar glucagon-induced hyperglycemia that was significantly more elevated (P 〈 0.01) than glucose levels measured in the saline-injected group. Glucagon-induced reactive hyperinsulinemia was observed only in the Fast-refed and normally fed rats, and not in the exercised and 1/2-fast rats. It is concluded that supranormal levels of liver glycogen may be associated with a larger hyperglucagonemia-induced liver glycogen breakdown.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004210000286
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