Insulin-dependent Synthesis of Liver Glucokinase in the Rat

Abstract

A glucokinase qualitatively and quantitatively adequate as 
\nthe first and limiting step in the synthesis of glycogen from glucose has been recently identified in the liver of the normal fed 
\nrat. In contrast with hexokinase, glucokinase activity was 
\nfound to disappear in fasted and alloxan-diabetic animals (1). 
\nA characteristic shared by deprivation of food and diabetes is 
\nthe marked decrease of insulin secretion and a very low level of 
\nfree insulin in plasma (2, 3). Insulin could control either the 
\nactivity of the glucokinase or its synthesis. The results here 
\ndescribed suggest that the synthesis of the enzyme is insulin-dependent. No hormonal effect on its activity has been detected