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Horm Metab Res 1978; 10(2): 99-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093451
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Plasma Glucagon, Insulin and Glucose Responses to Intravenous Arginine Infusion in the Rat

S. F. Kuku [*] , J. B. Jaspan , D. S. Emmanouel , A. I. Katz , A. H. Rubenstein
  • Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60637, U.S.A.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Plasma glucagon (IRG), insulin and glucose responses to intravenous arginine infusion in the rat were studied.

Three doses of arginine hydrochloride were infused into fasted rats: 0.2 gm/kg b.w., 0.5 gm/kg b.w., and 1 gm/kg b.w.

The 0.2 gm/kg dose did not result in significant elevation of plasma IRG or insulin. Both the 0.5 and 1 gm/kg doses produced a significant increase in glucagon and insulin levels within 5 minutes of starting the infusion. The 1 gm/kg dose was most effective in stimulating secretion of both hormones This dose produced a 250% rise in the plasma IRG compared to 80% peak rise with the 0.5 gm/kg dose (p < .01) and 1055% rise in insulin levels compared to a peak level of 255% above baseline with the 0.5 gm/kg dose (p < .001).

These results demonstrate the effectiveness of intravenous arginine in the stimulation of glucagon and insulin secretion in the rat.

Key words

Intravenous Arginine Infusion - Rats - Glucagon - Insulin

1 Present Address: Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria