Biliary Response to Glucagon in Humans

Abstract

Glucagon has been demonstrated to have profound effect on biliary secretion in several species. Glucagon's biliary effects were studied in humans following biliary tract surgery. Nine patients underwent common bile duct exploration and insertion of a balloon-occludable t tube. An aliquot of the collected sample was kept and the enterohepatic circulation was maintained by reinfusion of the collected bile via the distal t-tube port. Glucagon increased bile flow and decreased cholesterol and phospholipid output during stable bile acid output. Furthermore high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of bile acid profiles revealed no significant changes in bile salt species or conjugation after glucagon infusion. Glucagon is probably important in the physiologic regulation of biliary secretion in humans.

Hormonal Modulation of Hepatic cAMP Prevents Estradiol 17β-d-Glucuronide-Induced Cholestasis in Perfused Rat Liver

“…Among the hormones with potential anticholestatic properties, Glu and adrenaline may be assumed as the most appropriate ones. Glucagon is recognized for its capability to both promote bile flow [16] and elevate hepatic cAMP levels in humans [15]. In addition, Glu is produced in the pancreas and delivered into portal circulation, thus reaching the liver at high levels before entering the systemic circulation.…”

Prevention of estradiol 17β-d-glucuronide–induced canalicular transporter internalization by hormonal modulation of cAMP in rat hepatocytes

“…Among the hormones with potential anticholestatic properties, Glu and adrenaline could represent the most appropriate ones. Glu is recognized for its capacity to promote bile flow ( Branum et al , 1991 ) and to elevate cAMP levels in humans ( Pecker et al , 1979 ). In addition, Glu is produced in the pancreas and delivered to portal circulation, thus arriving at the liver in high levels before reaching systemic circulation.…”