INACTIVATION OR REMOVAL OF INSULIN BY THE LIVER

Abstract

Under normal circumstances insulin, after leaving the pancreas, reaches the liver before itgoes into the general circulation. The liver removes or inactivates the insulin as it passes through. This is probably via the "insulinase" system described by Mirsky and Broh-Kahn. Liver inactivation of insulin is demonstrated in normal and depancreatized animals. This action is found despite the presence of the hyperglycemic factor in certain insulin prepns. It is conjectured that the liver of the dog can inactivate about 1/25 to 1/50 U./kg. body wt./hr. of insulin.