GLUCOSE-HOMEOSTASIS AFTER PERI-ARTERIAL HEPATIC DENERVATION IN PARTIALLY HEPATECTOMIZED RATS

Peri-arterial hepatic denervation did not change the lour basal plasma glucose levels on the 1st post-operative day in partially hepatectomi zed animals. On the 2nd post-operative day, the denervated animals had significantly higher basal plasma glucose levels than innervated anim als. Basal plasma insulin levels were similar in both resected groups, suggesting a relative hyperinsulinemia in the innervated group. Basal plasma glucagon levels were similar in all groups on the 1st post-ope rative day, but were significantly raised on the 2nd post-operative da y in the two resected groups. After i.v. glucose (0.5 g/kg b.w.) on th e 1st post-operative day, or glucagon (10 mu g/kg b.w.) on the 2nd pos t-operative day, the absolute increments and eliminations of glucose a nd insulin were similar in all groups. We conclude that the hypoglycem ia observed after partial hepatectomy is not only due to the evident l oss of glycogen stores, but is also mediated by mechanisms dependent o n the peri-arterial hepatic nerves, possibly through an effect on basa l plasma insulin levels.