Hemipancreatectomy, peripheral diversion of pancreatic venous drainage, and insulin sensitivity.

It has been previously noted that a mild insulin deficiency could increase insulin sensitivity in rats. The data shown here are consistent with such an observation in that the insulin resistance, which was induced by diversion of pancreatic venous drainage to the peripheral circulation, was corrected by the insulin deficiency which was secondary to the hemipancreatectomy performed. These results also help to explain some of the apparent inconsistencies that appear to be present in the comparison often made of insulin sensitivity following various transplantation procedures. Both the site of pancreatic venous drainage and any decrease in beta-cell mass which may accompany pancreas or islet transplantation appear to have independent and opposite effects on insulin sensitivity.