Hepatic sympathetic denervation potentiates glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis and hyperinsulinaemia in the rat.

The influence of hepatic nerves on glucagon-stimulated hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia was studied in rats. Using microsurgical techniques, hepatic sympathectomy (resulting in approximately 80% reduction of liver noradrenaline content) or hepatic vagotomy was performed. Glucagon (10 micrograms/kg b.wt.) was injected i.v. one week after the operative procedure. Plasma levels of glucose and insulin rose more rapidly and to a higher level in rats subjected to hepatic sympathectomy than in sham-operated or non-operated control animals. In contrast, hepatic vagotomy did not influence the plasma glucose or insulin response to glucagon. In conclusion, our findings suggest a role for the hepatic sympathetic nerves in glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis and insulin secretion in the rat.