Ethanol stimulates glycogenolysis and inhibits both glycogenesis via gluconeogenesis and from exogenous glucose in perfused rat liver

AIMS: Although it is commonly recognized that ethanol suppresses gluconeogenesis, the influence of alcohol intake on blood glucose levels remains controversial. Ethanol may act on both glucose production and glucose consumption in the liver. Thus, we studied each effect of ethanol on glucose oxidation, gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver. METHODS: The rat liver was isolated and cyclically perfused with a medium containing 50 mmol/l ethanol. RESULTS: Ethanol enhanced 14C-glucose oxidation in the liver from 1.09 +/- 0.11 to 1.41 +/- 0.14 micromol for 20 min (p < 0.05). Gluconeogenesis from 14C-lactate was markedly reduced by ethanol from 8.0 +/- 1.3 to 1.5 +/- 0.6 micromol for 12 min (p < 0.01). Ethanol increased glycogenolysis (net hepatic glucose output, 0.47 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.04 mmol/30 min, p < 0.01), and then decreased hepatic glycogen content (179 +/- 38 vs. 273 +/- 39 mg in the presence of 1 mU/ml insulin after 30 min of perfusion, p < 0.05). Ethanol decreased the direct glycogenesis from 14C-glucose from 0.55 +/- 0.08 to 0.33 +/- 0.05 micromol per 100 mg glycogen for 30 min (p < 0.01). Ethanol inhibited the indirect glycogenesis from 14C-lactate from 0.21 +/- 0.04 to 0.09 +/- 0.01 micromol per 100 mg glycogen for 30 min (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The influence of ethanol on the blood glucose regulation by the liver seems to be different between fasted and fed states. Namely, ethanol has both the hypoglycemic effects through decreased gluconeogenesis and increased glucose oxidation and the hyperglycemic effects through decreased glycogenesis and increased glycogenolysis.     

Effects of somatostatin on gastrointestinal hormone-induced glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in cultured liver cells

When isolated rat liver cells were incubated for 15 min in the presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, secretin or glucagon at a concentration of 2.0 micrograms/ml, glycogenolysis was stimulated by 30%-67% above the control. Slight but significant increase on gluconeogenesis was also observed by the addition vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastric inhibitory polypeptide or secretin. Somatostatin inhibited both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis induced by these hormones, but the degrees of inhibition are clearly much higher in the hormone-induced gluconeogenesis than glycogenolysis, and no significant inhibition of glycogenolysis was observed in case of glucagon and VIP. These results suggest the possibility that the so-called enterohepatic axis may play a part of roles in the regulation of serum glucose levels through gastrointestinal hormones belonging to the secretin family, and that it may be further regulated by somatostatin through gluconeogenesis.     

Interactions of glucagon and fructose in the control of glycogenolysis in perfused rat liver.

By measuring the specific radioactivity of glucose released from isolated perfused livers of normal, fed rats in the presence of [U-14C]fructose, the gluconeogenetic and glycogenolytic contributions to glucose production were estimated. After 20 min of perfusion with 4 mM fructose, glycogenolysis was inhibited by 40% in the absence and by 70% in the presence of glucagon (3 nM). Glucagon decreased the release of lactate plus pyruvate and enhanced glucose formation from fructose without affecting its uptake. Glycerol (4 mM) and xylitol (3 mM) had qualitatively similar, but smaller effects on glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis. The glucagon-mediated phosphorylase b to a conversion was not altered by fructose, indicating that glycogenolysis was decreased as a consequence of an inhibition of phosphorylase a. During the first minutes after the addition of fructose, decreased ATP/AMP ratios and tissue Pi levels correlated with a transient increase of phosphorylase a activity. It was concluded that the effects of fructose on the control of hepatic glycogenolysis and glucose production were the result of a complex interplay between a transient b to a conversion of phosphorylase and an inhibition of the a-form of the enzyme, possibly by fructose 1-phosphate and other phosphorylated metabolites.     

Central nervous system and control of endogenous glucose production

Recent evidence points to the crucial role of the central nervous system in controlling glucose homeostasis. Hypothalamic centers involved in the regulation of energy balance and endogenous glucose production constantly sense fuel availability by receiving and integrating inputs from circulating nutrients and hormones such as insulin and leptin. In response to these peripheral signals, the hypothalamus sends out efferent impulses that restrain food intake and endogenous glucose production. This promotes energy homeostasis and keeps blood glucose levels in the normal range. Disruption of this intricate neural control is likely to occur in type 2 diabetes and obesity and may contribute to defects of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance common to both diseases. This review summarizes the latest findings on the hypothalamic control of endogenous glucose production, and focuses on the central effects of circulating macronutrients and nutrient-induced hormones.     

Regulation of glycogenolysis by neurotransmitters in the central nervous system

Neurotransmitters are the molecules that neurons use to communicate with each other and with the other cell types of the nervous system, such as glial cells and cells of the vasculature. The best characterized actions of neurotransmitters are the alterations in excitability that they elicit in other neurons. These changes in neuronal firing rate are due to the opening or closing of transmembrane channels selectively permeable to given ionic species. We have however recently demonstrated that certain neurotransmitters can regulate energy metabolism within discrete regions of the central nervous system. In particular we have observed that Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide stimulates glycogenolysis in the cerebral cortex. This action is also exerted by the monoamines noradrenaline, serotonin and histamine. Studies in primary cultures indicate that the glycogenolysis elicited by neurotransmitters may take place in astrocytes, which are glial cells and where glycogen is predominantly stored in the nervous system. These observations suggest that the primary function of certain neuronal circuits may be to regulate the availability of energy substrates within discrete neuronal ensembles.     

Role of the availability of substrates on hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis in the fasted late pregnant rat

Studies were conducted to examine the role of gluconeogenetic substrate availability on glucose production in the fasted late pregnant rat. Virgin and 21-day pregnant rats were studied after 24 hours' food deprivation. Pregnant animals showed decreased circulating glucose and gluconeogenic amino acid and increased plasma glycerol concentration. Glucose formation was studied in vivo two, five, and ten minutes after the intravenous administration of two concentrations of 14C-alanine, 14C-pyruvate, or 14C-glycerol. Concentrations of 0.2 mmols of 14C-glycerol or 14C-pyruvate, but not of 14C-alanine, enhanced 14C-glucose production in pregnant rats, whereas 1 mmol of any of the three 14C-substrates always enhanced 14C-glucose production in these rats. Both 1 mmol/L and 5 mmol/L 14C-alanine increased 14C-glucose formation in 90-minute-incubated liver slices of fasted pregnant rats, in spite of decreased cytosolic activity of alanine aminotransferase. The three substrates enhanced "in vitro" renal gluconeogenesis in pregnant rats. Under all experimental conditions studied, labeled glycerol was converted more efficiently into glucose than equivalent amounts of any other substrate used, and this difference was greater in pregnant, than in virgin animals. Results indicate that, in spite of enhanced gluconeogenetic activity, maternal glucose production in the fasted state at late gestation is limited by the deficiency of certain substrates, such as amino acids. It is proposed that glycerol derived from enhanced maternal adipose tissue lipolysis constitutes a preferential gluconeogenetic substrate in comparison with others, such as alanine, that are more efficiently transferred through the placenta to the fetus.     

Studies on gluconeogenesis and stimulation of glycogen and protein synthesis in isolated hepatocytes in alloxan diabetic,normal fed and fasted animals

Summary Hepatocytes were isolated by collagenasein vitro perfusion technique. Net glucose production in isolated hepatocytes obtained from fed, fasted and alloxan diabetic rats was studied. Net glucose production from alanine, pyruvate and fructose was increased by 2–5 fold in isolated hepatocytes obtained from fasted and alloxan diabetic rats. Similar increases in the incorporation of¹⁴C-bicarbonate into glucose was also observed. Net glucose production in isolated hepatocytes was also compared to otherin vitro preparations. Net glucose production was much higher (2–5 fold) in isolated hepatocytes than that reported previously for liver slices or perfused liver. Studies on glycogen and protein synthesis show a 2 fold stimulation in the incorporation of U-¹⁴C-glucose into glycogen and U-¹⁴C-leucine into protein by the addition of 100 μU of insulin to isolated hepatocytes. Supported by a grant from Eli Lilly and Company and U.S.P.H.S. Grant No. AM 14340.     

Central nervous system vasculitis

Vasculitis of the central nervous system (CNS) is classified as primary angiitis or as vasculitis secondary to a variety of diseases. A wide spectrum of clinical features may occur. A definite diagnosis is hampered by the difficulty in obtaining tissue for histology. Consequently, a diagnosis is frequently made on the basis of clinical presentation, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebral angiography without pathologic confirmation. Recent experience shows that there are multiple other conditions that can mimic CNS vasculitis, many of which have different therapies. Most patients with CNS vasculitis should be treated aggressively with a combination of immunosuppressive medications. The prognosis is greatly improved with early recognition and therapy.     

Stimulatory effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in isolated rat hepatocytes: antagonism by insulin

We have studied the effect of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) on glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis (as measured by the conversion of [U-14C]pyruvate into glucose) in hepatocytes isolated from fed rats. The influence of VIP on glycogen phosphorylase alpha and pyruvate kinase activities, as well as on cAMP levels, was also evaluated. In addition, the possible antagonism of insulin on these VIP-mediated effects was investigated. VIP enhanced both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. At 10(-6) M VIP, both processes were increased 2-fold as compared to the basal values; the calculated half-maximal stimulatory concentrations were 2.5 x 10(-8) M and 4 x 10(-8) M, respectively. VIP also caused a dose-dependent activation of glycogen phosphorylase and inactivation of pyruvate kinase. At 10(-6) M VIP, glycogen phosphorylase a was increased 3-fold and pyruvate kinase activity was reduced by 46%. The addition of 10(-7) M VIP to the incubation medium caused a 2-fold increase of basal cAMP levels. All these VIP-mediated effects were markedly blocked by the presence of 10(-8) M insulin. As compared to glucagon (10(-7) M) the potency of an equimolar concentration of VIP, in terms of stimulation of gluconeogenesis, inactivation of pyruvate kinase, and activation of glycogen phosphorylase ranged from 35-45%. Our results indicate that VIP increases hepatic glucose output through the stimulation of both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. These effects seem to be mediated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism.     

Glyceroneogenesis in rat and guinea pig adipose tissue during the fed and fasted states

While both pyruvate and lactate are good substrates for glyceride-glycerol synthesis in isolated adipocytes from fed rats and guinea pigs, neither alanine nor serine appear to support glyceroneogenesis. Fasting increases the proportion of radioactive pyruvate or lactate incorporated into glyceride-glycerol and reciprocally decreases the proportion incorporated into fatty acids. However, the total incorporation of radioactivity into triacylglycerol is considerably lower in isolated adipocytes from fasted than from fed animals. Addition of glucose to the incubation medium promotes the incorporation of radioactive lactate into both fatty acids and glyceride-glycerol by adipocytes from fasted as well as fed animals. The concentration of α-glycerolphosphate is considerably higher in adipose tissue of fed than fasted animals. In general, these results support the presence of a glyceroneogenic pathway in rat and guinea pig adipose tissue. However, it would appear that the physiologic significance of this pathway is less important in the fasted than the fed state, where it may play some role in the esterification of intracellular fatty acids.     

Norepinephrine: a potent activator of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in rockfish hepatocytes

Norepinephrine (NOR) is a potent activator of carbohydrate metabolism in isolated hepatocytes from copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), increasing rates of glycogenolysis fourfold with an EC50 of 6.3 nM. Nanomolar concentrations of NOR also enhance gluconeogenesis. Epinephrine (EPI) activates both pathways to a smaller extent; the corresponding EC50 for glycogenolysis is 320 nM. There is no significant difference between the magnitude of glucose production in response to comparable doses of NOR, bovine glucagon, and catfish glucagon-like peptide. Experiments with an adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol) and antagonists (propranolol, prazosin, atenolol) indicate that NOR effects are mediated through beta-adrenoceptors. Catecholamine-activated glycogenolysis measured at 100 nM EPI or NOR is poorly correlated with a 30-50% rise in intracellular cAMP. Glucose production following catecholamine administration is not linear: 50% of the hourly glucose output is released within the first 17 min (NOR) and 5 min (EPI), respectively. During hepatocyte incubation (60 min at 15 degrees), added NOR and EPI (100 nM) were not degraded to any significant extent. In the absence of added hormones, rockfish hepatocytes produce 7.41 +/- 0.89 mumol glucose x g-1 packed cells x hr-1 at 15 degrees, with gluconeogenesis accounting for 35.0% of the total production. The rate of glucose output, which is linear for at least 60 min, is not correlated with the initial hepatocyte glycogen level.     

Central nervous system control mechanisms of swallowing: A neuropharmacological perspective

Neuropharmacologicalin vivo andin vitro investigations are beginning to provide insight into chemical signaling processes within brainstem networks controlling the individual stages of swallowing. Different subtypes of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors operate at the level of solitarial interneurons programming the buccopharyngeal and esophageal stage, as well as motoneurons innervating esophageal striated musculature. Muscarinic cholinoceptors (MAChRs), probably activated via a propriobulbar input, are critically involved in generating output from solitarial neurons to esophageal motoneurons. Inhibition to tonically active GABA_A-receptor mediated afferents to solitarial premotor neurons results in rhythmic deglutitive output, reflecting disinhibition of EAA and MACK receptor activity. Motoneuronal EAA receptors may be regulated by a somatostatinergic input arising from solitarial premotoneurons. The available evidence is consistent with a transmitter heterogeneity in esophageal premotor neurons that may operate to provide chemical coding of afferents to the motor output stage of the pattern generator for esophageal peristalsis.     

Cyclic nucleotides and gluconeogenesis by rat liver cells.

Gluconeogenesis from lactate, pyruvate, fructose, alanine, and other substrates was accelerated by glucagon or epinephrine in hepatocytes isolated from rat liver. Glucagon and epinephrine also increased cyclic AMP accumulation by rat hepatocytes. Isoproterenol increased cyclic AMP but not gluconeogenesis, while phenylephrine accelerated gluconeogenesis. The activation of gluconeogenesis by epinephrine was unaffected by propranolol but blocked by dihydroergotamine. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP added to hepatocytes stimulated gluconeogenesis at concentrations as low as 1 muM. Exogenous cyclic GMP (0.1- muM) inhibited gluconeogenesis due to either glucagon or epinephrine without affecting basal gluconeogenesis. However, carbamylcholine did not affect gluconeogenesis by hepatocytes. Basal gluconeogenesis and the increases due to all agents were inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium or the presence of A-23187, D-600, or tetracaine. In contrast, added 0.1 muM cyclic GMP, 2 mM NH-4-Cl, and 10 muM phenethylbiguanide inhibited glucagon- or epinephrine-stimulated gluconeogenesis without affecting basal values. Studies with hepatocytes indicate that the hormonal activation of gluconeogenesis is not limited to substrates entering prior to triose phosphate formation. Glucagon may act by increasing cyclic AMP which acts via unknown mechanisms to increase gluconeogenesis. In contrast, epinephrine acts via a cyclic AMP-independent mechamism which does not appear to involve cyclic GMP, Ca-2+ flux, of K+ flux.