STUDIES OF THE ROLE OF THE LIVER IN HUMAN CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM BY THE VENOUS CATHETER TECHNIC. I. NORMAL SUBJECTS UNDER FASTING CONDITIONS AND FOLLOWING THE INJECTION OF GLUCOSE1

Abstract

The hepatic catheterization technic was used in studying the role of the normal human liver in carbohydrate metabolism under basal conditions and after the admn. of 0.5 g. of glucose/kg. in 15 mins., intraven. Under fasting conditions, the splanchnic system releases glucose to the circulation at a mean rate of 3.5 [plus or minus] 0.7 mg./kg./min. Of this, about 7% probably arose from gluconeogensis from protein. This rate of glucose production could account for a mean of 70% of the total normal basal metabolic requirement of the subjects. After the admn. of glucose there is an immediate splanchnic glucose retention. Subsequently, as the arterial glucose level falls, glucose is released from the splanchnic system. The stimulus for this release appears to be both the arterial glucose level and the rate of fall of the glucose concn. Evidence was obtained of the release of glucose from the normal liver at arterial glucose levels of 175 mg./100 ml. These reactions are similar to those previously observed in exptl. animals.