Abstract
The direct stimulating effect of glucagon on partially hepatectomized rats was studied. Following a 70% hepatectomy, male Wistar 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 725-728 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of the Formosan Medical Association |
| Volume | 92 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - 1993 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- hepatotrophic effect
- liver regeneration
- mitotic index