Horm Metab Res 1985; 17(8): 399-401
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1013557
ORIGINALS
Basic
© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Portocaval Shunt on Hepatic Glycogen Stores during Fasting

A. Boninsegna, M. Pradella, G. Scutari, P. Vassanelli, A. Perissinotto
  • Istituto di Chimica Biologica e Patologia Speciale Chirurgica, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

1983

1984

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Summary

The effect of a prolonged fast was studied in surgically portocaval shunted (PCS) rats. This shunt excludes the liver from the direct effect of pancreatic and enteric hormones, thus facilitating the study of the biochemical and metabolic effects of these hormones. In portocaval shunted rats, liver glycogen was lower than that of control rats, and remained unaffected during fasting. No remarkable difference was observed in blood glucose, plasma and liver free fatty acids and blood ketone bodies. Among blood nitrogen compounds, total protein, alanine and urea did not show any significant variation, while, in PCS rats, the initial low levels of creatinine resulted in an increase after fast. Skeletal muscle protein decreased only slightly in control rats, while their loss was remarkable in PCS rats. The possibility of a differential activation of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in control and PCS rats is discussed.