Relation of Potassium and Glucose Release from the Liver in the Unanesthetized Dog.

Abstract

The time course of hepatic metabolic and hemodynamic events after hormone-induced glycogenolysis is described in the unanesthetized 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 [mu]g/kg. Maximum hepatic venous plasma K and hepatic K output was reached at about 1 minute after injection. Increased hepatic blood flow occurred during or shortly after increased hepatic venous K concentration. Increased rate of hepatic glucose output did not begin until after the K efflux from the liver. Hepatic glucose output reached a maximum 3 to 6 minutes after epinephrine injection. The possible significance of K efflux in the sequence of glycogenolytic reactions is discussed.