J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 80(8): 685-700, 1979

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Original article

THE EFFECT OF INSULIN AND GLUCAGON ON RAT LIVER REGENERATION

The role of insulin and glucagon in regenerating process of the liver after hepatectomy was studied from the standpoint of energy metabolism and DNA synthesis. The following results were observed:
1) Intravenous infusion of somatostatin (10 μg/100 g/hr., i.v.) markedly suppressed the activity of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, the energy charge level (1/2 ADP+ATP/AMP+ADP+ATP), and the incorporation of ³H-TdR into DNA in male albino rats after 70% hepatectomy. This suppression was significantly restored by insulin (0.01 U/100 g/hr., i.v.) or glucagon (0.01 mg/100 g/hr., i.v.).
2) The cirrhotic liver of rats induced by 3'-Me-DAB was observed to have a low functional reserve which was shown by the energy charge level, the activity of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, and the mitochondrial cytochrome contents. Moreover, the cirrhotic liver showed some delay in the responsive increase of mitochondrial ATP synthesis which was essential to liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. The incorporation of ³H-TdR into DNA was also inhibited in the cirrhotic liver after 70% hepatectomy.
3) Supplemental medication of insulin or glucagon significantly enhanced the activity of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and the incorporation of ³H-TdR into DNA in the cirrhotic liver after 70% hepatectomy.
It was concluded that pancreatic hormones were essential to liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, and that proper supplementation of pancreatic hormones enhanced the functional reserve and the regenerating ability of the cirrhotic liver after partial hepatectomy.

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