Changes of gluconeogenesis and alanine metabolism following partial hepatectomy in normal and cirrhotic rats

Gluconeogenesis and alanine metabolism of normal and cirrhotic rats were studied in view of partial hepatectomy. Liver cirrhosis was made by repeated injection of thioacetamide in rat. Partial hepatectomy was performed by modified method of Higgins-Anderson. Liver glycogen and fructose-2, 6-bisphosphate were decreased after hepatectomy and recovered within 7 days in normal groups, while those of cirrhotic group reduced even in preoperative state were further decreased and hardly recovered after hepatectomy. Gluconeogenesis of perfused liver in cirrhosis was increased from both lactate and alanine preoperatively, but gluconeogenesis from alanine was not increased in both hepatectomized rats. ATP and energy charge were decreased after hepatectomy and recovered within two weeks. These level were lower in cirrhotic group, and decreased further and hardly recovered after hepatectomy. Alanine utilization to CO2 in vivo was not impaired in cirrhotic group either preoperatively or postoperatively. ATP and energy charge were increased by alanine injection in hepatectomized rats of both normal and cirrhotic group. In conclusion, glucose-insulin therapy of sufficient amounts is important to improve decreased glycolysis and abnormal gluconeogenesis on both post-hepatectomy period of normal and pre and post-hepatectomy period of cirrhosis. Also alanine is effective for stimulating decreased energy production.