SPONTANEOUS FLUCTUATIONS IN GLUCOSE CONTENT OF THE HEPATIC VENOUS BLOOD IN RESTING NORMAL HUMAN BEINGS

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Abstract
The hepatic arterio-venous glucose difference and hepatic blood flow were estimated at intervals of 30 sec. to 10 min. in 11 normal men under basal conditions. There is a very great spontaneous (and probably physiological) variation in the splanchnic glucose balance. In view of this unpredictable fluctuation, it is doubtful that estimates of splanchnic glucose balance are valid for any periods other than the actual time of sampling. Moreover, unless constant sampling technics are used, the estimate of the splanchnic balance is valid only for the instant during which blood was actually being withdrawn. In view of these findings, it seems unwise to use data obtained by the liver-catheter technic to estimate overall metabolic balances or rates of glucose utilization.