The Effects of Glucose and Alanine Infusion on Urea Production and Gluconeogenesis in the Starved Newborn Guinea Pig

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Abstract
We studied the effects of glucose, alanine, and saline infusion in newborn guinea pigs. After acute (24–30 h after delivery) or prolonged (96–100 h after delivery) starvation, alanine or glucose infusion significantly increased liver glycogen concentration. Alanine infusion increased plasma glucose concentration and urea production rate (UrP). After acute starvation, a continuous 12-hour glucose infusion did not affect either plasma alanine concentration or UrP; however, after prolonged starvation, glucose infusion significantly reduced both variables. After prolonged starvation, the newborn guinea pig mobilizes alanine for gluconeogenesis. Increased protein catabolism is a consequence of this process. Glucose infusion negates the need for gluconeogenesis and spares body protein.