Pancreatic Hormones and Plasma Glucose: Regulation Mechanisms in the Goose under Physiological Conditions - I. Pancreatectomy and Replacement Therapy

Abstract

Measurements of plasma GLI and IRI in normal fasting geese, before and during constant I.V. infusion of saline, gave GLI/I ratios of 1.32 ± .07 and 1.34 ± .03 (w/w). As total pancreatectomy markedly reduces the pancreatic hormone level, leading to a mortal hypoglycaemia, we attempted to maintain plasma glucose within the normal range by constant I.V. infusion of glucagon and insulin into operated animals. The results were as follows:
1. Blood glucose levels can be maintained within the normal range during experiments lasting 6 or more hours with a constant G/I ratio.
2. The G/I ratio obtained in operated animals (.96 ± .12) is near to, but significantly lower (p < .005) than, the GLI/I ratio measured in normal animals. This difference may be explained by the presence of a small amount of circulating gut GLI in the 2nd group.

Key words

Goose - Pancreatectomy - Replacement Therapy - Glucose - Insulin - Glucagon - G/I Ratio