Role of the kidneys in elimination of glucagon, insulin, secretin and somatostatin in the rat.

Immunoreactive plasma glucagon and secretin in the rat was elevated 48 hours after nephrectomy and ureteral ligation. Since kidneys obstructed by ureteral ligation were unable to remove glucagon and secretin from the blood, renal handling of glucagon and secretin must include glomerular filtration. Insulin and somatostatin levels were significantly elevated 48 hours after nephrectomy, but not after ureteral ligation, indicating partial uptake from peritubular capillaries.