Work

Liver and kidney metabolism during prolonged starvation

Year: 1969

Type: article

Abstract: This study quantifies the concentrations of circulating insulin, growth hormone, glucose, free fatty acids, glycerol, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and alpha amino nitrogen in 11 obese subjects during prolonged starvation. The sites and estimated rates of gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis after 5-6 wk of fasting were investigated in five of the subjects. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations fell acutely during the 1st 3 days of fasting, and alpha amino nitrogen after 17 days. The concentration of free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate did not reach a plateau until after 17 days. Estimated glucose production at 5-6 wk of starvation is reduced to approximately 86 g/24 hr. Of this amount the liver contributes about one-half and the kidney the remainder. Approximately all of the lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and amino acid carbons which are removed by liver and kidney are converted into glucose, as evidenced by substrate balances across these organs.

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation

DOI: 10.1172/jci106016

Authors: Oliver E. Owen, Philip Felig, Alfred P. Morgan, John Wahren, George F. Cahill

Institutions: Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Dietary Effects on Health

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Kementerian Pendidikan Nasional, NIH Clinical Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command