EFFECTS OF GLUCAGON AND INSULIN ON LIPOLYSIS AND KETOGENESIS IN SHEEP

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (2) , 166-170
Abstract
The hepatic and portal productions of acetoacetate and .beta.-hydroxybutyrate and lipolysis were studied in normal and insulin-controlled alloxan-diabetic sheep. Since hyperinsulinemia is associated with glucagon administration, the latter group of sheep were used to maintain constant plasma insulin levels. After control values were obtained glucagon was infused intraportally at 90 .mu.g/h for 2 h. Ketone body production by portal drained viscera was not significantly affected by glucagon. In alloxanized sheep glucagon significantly (P < 0.01) increased net hepatic production of acetoacetate (from -0.54 .+-. 0.08 to 0.46 .+-. 0.07 g/h). Lipolysis also increased. In the normal sheep, hyperinsulinemia prevented any stimulatory effect of glucagon on hepatic ketogenesis and lipolysis. While glucagon appears capable of stimulating ketogenesis and lipolysis, these effects are readily suppressed by insulin.