Regulatory Pattern of Liver Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes: Insulin as Inducer of Key Glycolytic Enzymes

Abstract

The regulatory pattern of the enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism was described in terms of coordinated induction or suppression of the biosynthetic activities of functional genic units. The action of insulin as an inducer of the biosynthesis of key glycolytic enzymes was documented in detail. The decrease of hepatic glucokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase in hypoinsulinism and the increase in biosynthesis of these enzymes caused by insulin were described. There was a dose response relationship in the insulin-induced biosynthesis of key glycolytic enzymes. The glycolytic enzymes also showed a similar pattern of postnatal development. The steroid hormones had no effect on these enzymes. The integrative action of insulin on liver metabolism was pinpointed at the enzyme biosynthetic level.