THE METABOLIC EFFECTS OF CHRONIC HYPERGLUCAGONAEMIA

Abstract

A subject with a benign glucagonoma was studied before and after complete resection of his pancreatic tumour. Studies were undertaken pre‐and post‐operatively to determine the effects of chronic hyperglucagonaemia on glucose tolerance and glucose kinetics both in the fasting state and during physiological insulin infusions, employing the [3H]‐3‐glucose technique. In addition the plasma cyclic AMP response to an acute infusion of glucagon was studied pre‐and post‐operatively. The basal immunoreactive glucagon levels pre‐and post‐operatively were 10492 ± 1296 and 149 ± 15 pg/ml respectively. Pre‐and post‐operative oral glucose tolerance tests did not differ but were abnormal. Pre‐operatively b..