The role of insulin and glucagon in experimental obstructive jaundice.
OBJECTIVE
The oxidative phosphorylation of liver mitochondria is regulated by the amount of portal insulin available to the hepatocytes. Thus, hepatic energy is mediated by the values of blood sugar and insulin. Insulin and glucagon are the main fuel homeostats in the liver. This study was performed to investigate the concept of energy mediated by glucose, during the process of obstructive jaundice and its recovery.


METHODS
Experimental Wistar rats were studied, with bile duct tied for 4, 7 and 14 days respectively. The serum concentration and relative tissue concentration of insulin and glucagon were measured. And the common bile duct was tied for 4, 7 and 14 days, then relieved by time sequences for 4, 7 and 14 days. Serum concentration and relative tissue concentration of insulin and glucagon were also measured.


RESULTS
When the common bile duct was tied for 4, 7, and 14 days respectively, the serum concentration and relative tissue concentration of insulin declined (p < 0.05) and glucagon concentration was elevated (p < 0.05). When the common bile duct was tied for 4, 7 and 14 days, then relieved by time sequences for 4, 7 and 14 days, the concentrations of insulin in both groups appeared to decline at first (p < 0.05) and then progressively increase (p < 0.05). The concentrations of glucagon exhibit the reverse behavior. Both serum and tissue concentration are elevated at first (p < 0.05), then progressively decline (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These studies indicated that, during obstructive jaundice, more fuel is demanded to make up for the energy deficiency. In spite of surgical or non-surgical relief of obstructive jaundice, the energy reserve is still not sufficiently recovered. The recovery of the hepatic energy reserve takes longer than we expected.
Chen
J S
JS
Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital, Taiwan.
Ker
C G
CG
Sheen
P C
PC
D000818:Animals; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003135:Common Bile Duct; D005934:Glucagon / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008026:Ligation; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010085:Oxidative Phosphorylation; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors
D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon