Summary
Liver regeneration was studied as a function of time after suppression of the normal
glucagon response. Rats were given a daily subcutaneous injection of 20 μg zincglucagon
for 14 days, whereafter a 70% hepatectomy was performed.
In the glucagon treated rats the rise in plasma glucagon concentration was diminished
after hepatectomy. At intervals from 12 to 384 hours after hepatectomy, the gain in
liver weight, the hepatic DNA content, and the antipyrine clearance were measured.
All 3 variables were found to be significantly higher in animals with diminished glucagon
response.
The results indicate that prevention of the normal increase in glucagon concentration
leads to signs of increased liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy.
Key-Words
Liver Growth
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Glucagon
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Liver Function
