Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Hippocampal Insulin Microinjection and In vivo Microdialysis During Spatial Memory Testing
Published on: January 11, 2013
Integrated analysis of protein and glucose metabolism during surgery: effects of anesthesia
T Schricker1, R Lattermann, P Fiset
1Department of Anesthesia, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, 687 Pine Ave. West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1A1. thomas.schricker@mcgill.ca
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess dynamic changes in protein and glucose metabolism during surgery. Twelve patients undergoing colorectal surgery received either intravenous propofol anesthesia (n = 6) or inhalational anesthesia with desflurane (n = 6). Pre- and intraoperative protein and glucose kinetics were analyzed by an isotope dilution technique using L-[1-(13)C]leucine and [6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose. Plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, insulin, glucagon, and cortisol were measured before and after 2 h of surgery. The rates of appearance of leucine and glucose, leucine oxidation, protein synthesis, and glucose clearance decreased during surgery, independent of the type of anesthesia (P < 0.05). A correlation between the rate of appearance of leucine and glucose was observed (r = 0.755, P < 0.001). Intraoperative plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations increased (P < 0.05), whereas plasma concentrations of lactate, free fatty acids, insulin, and glucagon did not change. Surgery causes a depression of whole body protein and glucose metabolism, independent of the anesthetic technique. There is a correlation between perioperative glucose production and protein breakdown.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

