Role of insulin in regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis in sheep

Ruminant animals, as a result of the fermentative nature of their digestion, ordinarily absorb little or no hexose sugar from the gut. Their glucose needs must be met by gluconeogenesis, even postprandially. The role of insulin in regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis in ruminants has not been assessed. In this study the effect of insulin on net hepatic removal of the major glucose precursors was determined. Insulin was infused with glucose matched to maintain euglycemia. The insulin concentrations attained in plasma were within the physiological range. Insulin at low concentrations reduced the hepatic removal of lactate, glutamine, and glycerol. At higher concentrations of insulin the hepatic extractions of pyruvate and alanine were also reduced. Thus, in sheep insulin at physiological concentrations may reduce hepatic glucose output by altering the uptake of glucose precursors.