CYCLIC-AMP METABOLISM AND ADENYLATE-CYCLASE CONCENTRATION IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED HEPATIC CIRRHOSIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 75  (6) , 1026-1032
Abstract
Glucagon was tested for its effect on plasma cyclic[c]AMP, insulin and glucose in healthy subjects and in patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver. In normal subjects i.v. infusion of glucagon caused a significant increase in plasma cAMP, glucose and insulin. In advanced cirrhotics, plasma cAMP, glucose and insulin did not increase. Adenylate cyclase concentration was measured in liver tissue from end stage cirrhotic patients and from brain-dead organ donors whose cardiovascular function was maintained in a stable state. Basal and total adenylate cyclase concentration did not differ in the 2 groups. Adenylate cyclase from the livers of advanced cirrhotics was significantly less responsive to glucagon stimulation than that from donor livers. Hepatocytes in advanced cirrhosis have abnormal metabolic behavior characterized by abnormal adenylate cyclase-cAMP response to hormonal stimulation.