A study of glycogen in the liver of metal-fed rats

Liver glycogen was estimated after feeding heavy metals to rats. With the exception of copper (CU) and zinc (Zn) these metals i.e. lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and cobalt (Co) depleted liver glycogen. These results are discussed in relation to glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, hypo- and hyperglycemic conditions. The role of the responsible enzymes is also discussed.