GLYCOGENOLYSIS DUE TO EPINEPHRINE IN HEPATIC DISEASE

Abstract

The tests for liver function now available in clinical practice are not by any means satisfactory. Following a suggestion in the brilliant work of Mann and his co-workers,¹ and in line with other known facts of the physiology of the liver, it was thought that a study of blood sugar curves following injections of epinephrine might provide a method of clinical value for testing one of the functions of the liver. An initial optimism gave place, as the experiments proceeded, to a feeling that this particular test of liver function would doubtless fall short clinically in much the same way that others have, because of the old difficulty inherent in all functional testing of an organ with manifold functions and a tremendous margin of reserve. Nevertheless, the sound physiologic bases of the test to be discussed and certain of the experimental results justify the belief that it may offer