Augmentation of liver regeneration with glucagon after partial hepatectomy in rats.
The direct stimulating effect of glucagon on partially hepatectomized rats was studied. Following a 70% hepatectomy, male Wister rats were divided into three groups. Group I received glucagon 0.8 mg/kg/day; group II received hydrocortisone 10 mg/kg/day; and group III received normal saline as a control. Their blood sugar levels and food intake were not significantly different. After one week, the regenerated livers in group I were larger (9.69 +/- 0.30 cm3 vs 8.29 +/- 0.34 cm3 in group II and 8.20 +/- 0.10 cm3 in group III), and heavier (9.83 +/- 0.28 g vs 8.52 +/- 0.33 g in group II and 8.75 +/- 0.21 g in group III) than those in the other two groups. The mitotic index in group I was also higher. The results suggest that glucagon has a direct hepatotrophic effect and enhances regeneration of the liver in rats.
Hwang
T L
TL
Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Chen
M F
MF
Chen
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D005934:Glucagon / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D005934:Glucagon; D006854:Hydrocortisone