The release and metabolism of pancreatic hormones after major hepatectomy in the dog.

Abstract

Major hepatectomy in the dog induced a 50% decrease in peripheral serum glucose, a 11-fold increase in portal plasma glucagon and a 36-fold increase in the portal glucagon/insulin ratio 3 hr after operation. Peripheral serum glucose levels were inversely correlated to the logarithmic value of portal plasma glucagon (r = -0.50, p less than 0.01) and that of the portal glucagon/insulin ratio (r = -0.85, p less than 0.01) for 1-6 hr after operation. The ratio of peripheral to portal plasma glucagon was also inversely correlated to the logarithmic value of portal plasma glucagon (r = -0.59, p less than 0.01). In case of glucose infusion, plasma glucagon levels were not elevated after major hepatectomy. The data suggest that glucose deficiency after major hepatectomy in the dog may cause hyperglucagonemia with an enhanced glucagon requirement.