Glucose homeostasis after peri-arterial hepatic denervation in partially hepatectomized rats

Peri-arterial hepatic denervation did not change the low basal plasma glucose levels on the 1st post-operative day in partially hepatectomized animals. On the 2nd post-operative day, the denervated animals had significantly higher basal plasma glucose levels than innervated animals. Basal plasma insulin levels were similar in both resected groups, suggesting a relative hyperinsulinemia in the innervated group. Basal plasma glucagon levels were similar in all groups on the 1st post-operative day, but were significantly raised on the 2nd post-operative day in the two resected groups. After i.v. glucose (0.5 g/kg b.w.) on the 1st post-operative day, or glucagon (10 micrograms/kg b.w.) on the 2nd post-operative day, the absolute increments and eliminations of glucose and insulin were similar in all groups. We conclude that the hypoglycemia observed after partial hepatectomy is not only due to the evident loss of glycogen stores, but is also mediated by mechanisms dependent on the peri-arterial hepatic nerves, possibly through an effect on basal plasma insulin levels.