Effect of acetate on the glycogen synthesis in vivo

Abstract

More glycogen in liver and muscle is found after a 24-hr. fast in rats, which received 3-12% acetate with their diet, than in their controls, where equivalent amts. of carbohydrate replaced the acetate. This was not the case after shorter fasting periods or after a lengthy fast of 72 hrs. Acetate-fed rats which received phlorhizin during the 24-hr. fast showed the same low glycogen values as the controls 3 hrs. after the phlorhizin admn., but had much more liver glycogen than the controls 17 hrs. after the phlorhizin injection. A similar effect on the fasting glycogen was not evinced by propionate, butyrate, stearate, lactate or citrate. This in vivo action of acetate is discussed in connection with the results found with acetate in vitro.