Effect of Glucagon on Hepatic Circulation in the Pig

• The effect of intravenous injection of 50 μg/kg of glucagon on the hepatic circulation of the pig was studied in 12 animals. Glucagon caused an arterial pressure reduction of 11 mm Hg after two minutes and 7 mm Hg after ten minutes. The portal pressure and blood flow were not altered. The superior mesenteric arterial flow decreased by 12%. The hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 80% after two minutes and by 58% after ten minutes. There was no difference in response when anesthesia was achieved with small intravenous doses of thiopental (Pentothal) sodium or 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen and tubocurarine chloride. ( Arch Surg 111:1379-1383, 1976)