The effect of glucagon on hepatic cellular energetics during a low flow state

An investigation of the effect of glucagon on liver high energy phosphate concentration during a low flow state is presented. Two groups of dogs were subjected to a 120-minute period of hemorrhagic hypotension followed by reinfusion of shed blood plus additional normal saline to restore the central venous pressure to 10 cm H2O. One group received glucagon intravenously in addition. Despite a significant increase in portal flow and oxygen delivery and a significant increase in liver glucose associated with glucagon administration, there was significant impairment in the ability of the liver to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Evidence is presented to show the decreased ATP concentration was not related to hepatic blood flow, but was presumably due to increased catabolism.