Interaction of somatostatin, glucagon, and insulin on hepatic glucose output in the normal dog.

The interaction of insulin and glucagon during infusion of somatostatin (SRIF), which suppresses secretion of these hormones, was investigated in normal, postabsorptive, concious dogs. Hepatic glucose output (production) and over-all glucose uptake by the tissues was measured with 3-3H-glucose, administered by a priming injection along with a constant infusion. Infusion of SRIF (1.5-5.0 mug/min) for 90 minutes resulted in a moderate hypoglycemia associated with a decrease in glucose production. In some animals glucose production and plasma glucose levels returned to normal before the end of SRIF infusion. Glucose uptake tended to follow plasma glucose levels. Upon termination of SRIF infusion, glucose production and uptake and plasma glucose increased sharply.