Metabolic alterations related to reverse portal vein flow in an endotoxic pig

Chronic hepatic artery and portal vein flowcuffs, in concert with hepatic vein and portal vein catheters, were placed in a Yucatan miniature pig. One week following surgery an endotoxin infusion was initiated. During endotoxemia there was a period of reverse portal vein flow while hepatic artery flow continued. This aberration resulted in unusual portal vein substrate and hormone concentrations. As endotoxemia progressed, the pig became hypoglycemic and hyperlactemic. Specific activity of [6-3H] - glucose was constant during developmental hypoglycemia, while insulin secretion rate was minimal indicating a significant endotoxin-induced, insulin-like activity. Hepatocytes isolated from the pig's liver at termination had inhibited gluconeogenic capacity.