The counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia in the pig

The domestic pig is commonly used as animal model in the pharmaceutical development of new therapeutics for treatment of diabetes. Since a formal definition of hypoglycaemia only exists in humans, the purpose of this study was to assess the counterregulatory response in the domestic pig at glucose levels known to induce symptoms of hypoglycaemia in humans. Six pigs were included in hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamps with plasma glucose targets of 2, 3 and 5 mmol/L in a cross-over design, and the associated glucose counterregulatory response was assessed by measuring glucose kinetics and levels of glucagon, c-peptide, catecholamines, cortisol and growth hormone. Results showed that the 2 and 3 vs 5 mmol/L clamps significantly decreased and increased the secretion of c-peptide and glucagon, respectively (P < .05). This finding was associated with increased rate of glucose appearance (R_a ) and decreased rate of glucose disappearance (R_d ) (P < .001). No marked differences in the catecholamine, growth hormone or cortisol response were observed. Consequently, like humans, pigs respond to hypoglycaemia by decreasing the pancreatic output of insulin while increasing that of glucagon, with increased glucose mobilization and decreased glucose disposal as a result. The hypoglycaemic clamps did not result in a marked secretion of the other counterregulatory hormones.