Satiety and hunger induced by small and large duodenal loads of isotonic glucose

Hepatic-portal infusions of small or large flucose loads in the rabbit had little or no stimulating effect on postinfusion food intake. However, marked differential changes in appetite were observed when small and large glucose loads were infused into the duodenum. The satiating effect of small glucose loads contrasted sharply with an unusually high increase in food intake triggered by the infusions of larger amounts of glucose into the duodenum. The results are interpreted in terms of a possible involvement of the enteroinsular mechanism in the regulation of food intake. This mechanism is bypassed and its influence on food intake eliminated when glucose is infused directly into the portal circulation. The positive relationship between large amounts of alimentary carbohydrates and overeating is seen as a factor that may actively promote the development of obesity and diabetes mellitus.