Effects of norepinephrine on hepatic amino acid metabolism in isolated perfused rat liver
De Bandt, J.P.; Ballet, F.; Cynober, L.; Rey, C.; Coudray-Lucas, C.; Giboudeau, J.
Nutrition 6(5): 363-366
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9007 PMID: 2134558 Document Number: 363473
The effects of norepinephrine (NE) on hepatic amino acid exchanges were studied in the isolated perfused rat liver using a recirculating system with a medium containing amino acids at twice physiological concentrations. NE induced a significant decrease (25%) in portal blood flow at a concentration of 2 ng/ml (10-8M) and increased total hepatic amino acid uptake, essentially through a switch from glutamine release to net uptake. There was no change in free intracellular amino acids, but glycogen was slightly decreased and glucose production increased. The results suggest that NE modulates hepatic protein balance.