[Stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis from amino acids in acute uremia]

Investigations on the role of alterations in hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in so-called pseudodiabetes of uremic subjects are reported. All experiments were carried out in acutely uremic rats produced by bilateral nephrectomy. The results are summarized in Fig. 5. From this follows that by some still unknown mechanism an altered hormonal equilibrium seems to develop. From a stimulation of endogenous hepatic proteolysis, acceleration of amino acid transport into the liver cell, and activation of L-serine-dehydratase and other key enzymes of amino acid metabolism, an increased supply of substrate for gluconeogenesis can be expected, thus leading to enhanced formation of glucose by the liver in acute uremia.