Relation of potassium and glucose release from the liver in the unanesthetized dog.

Abstract

SummaryThe time course of hepatic metabolic and hemodynamic events after hormone-induced glycogenolysis is described in the un-anesthetized dog. Increased concentration of hepatic venous plasma potassium and rate of hepatic potassium output occurred after intravenous administration of glucagon, .02 mg/kg. These effects were noted within 20 to 30 seconds after injection and became maximal within 2 minutes. Increased rates of hepatic blood flow and hepatic glucose output occurred 10 to 20 minutes after glucagon administration. A similar but more rapid pattern was observed after intravenous administration of epinephrine, 1 μg/kg. Maximum hepatic venous plasma potassium and hepatic potassium output was reached at about 1 minute after injection. Increased hepatic blood flow occurred during or shortly after increased hepatic venous potassium concentration. Increased rate of hepatic glucose output did not begin until after the potassium efflux from the liver. Hepatic glucose output reached a maximum 3 to 6 minut...