Glucose homeostasis during the early stages of liver regeneration in fasted rats

Abstract

Kinetic studies with [2-3H]glucose in vivo and gluconeogenic activity measurements in vivo and in vitro were performed in 70% hepatectomized rats submitted to fasting, which represents an extra burden for glucose synthesis but does not impair liver regeneration. Rates of glucose replacement, under steady-state conditions, 14 and 24 h postoperatively, did not differ in partially hepatectomized fasted rats and sham-operated controls. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities increased more rapidly during fasting in remnant livers than in intact livers from controls. Rates of incorporation of 14C from alanine into circulating glucose in hepatectomized rats were already maximal 14 h after surgery, whereas in controls they continued to augment. The maximal rates after partial hepatectomy could not be surpassed by performing the operation in diabetic animals. It is concluded that the relatively high blood sugar levels during fasting in hepatectomized rats do not depend on a reduced peripheral utilization of glucose, but only on a rapid increase in the gluconeogenic activity. The data suggest that hepatocytes in remnant liver can proliferate under conditions of maximal gluconeogenic and low glycolytic activities.

Serum arterial lactate concentration predicts mortality and organ dysfunction following liver resection

“…No change in lactate metabolism has been demonstrated following recovery from partial hepatectomy in either rats [49] or humans [25], implying that the liver has a large functional reserve under physiological conditions of lactate production. However, the effects of intra-operative stress on hepatic glucose homeostasis have not been assessed, particularly when in combination with an extended hepatectomy.…”

Gene expression of regulatory enzymes of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in regenerating rat liver

“…It is known that after partial hepatectomy the decrease in liver tissue is accompanied by complex hormonal changes which produce an increase in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver remnant, together with a decrease in glycolysis, in order to maintain the blood glucose concentration [3][4][5]. During this process, the gene expression of glycolytic/gluconeogenic enzymes would also be modified.…”

“…One of the most important functions of the liver is the maintenance of glucose homoeostasis. This mechanism operates in different physiological conditions [1,2] even after a drastic decrease in the liver mass [3][4][5]. Indeed, after partial hepatectomy the gluconeogenic capacity of the liver remnant increases.…”

Efeitos dos ácidos graxos sobre a regeneração hepática em ratos

“…A large number of studies have reported that the residual liver lobes after hepatectomy maintain all the liver functions necessary to keep homeostasis in normal organic levels despite the ongoing regeneration process 3,33.34 . In partially hepatectomized rats, plasma insulin concentrations have a significant decrease 35,36 , while the levels of glucagon increase 37,38 , which probably constitutes part of the homeostatic response resulting, among other things, in proper blood glucose levels 36 . In the group with omega-3 intake, as well as in the one with omega-6, plasma glucose values were significantly decreased ( Figure 6).…”