Abstract
The effects of glucagon on regional hemodynamics and on d-propranolol clearance have been studied in the unanesthetized rhesus monkey using the radioactive microsphere technique for flow determinations. Glucagon was infused at 1 and 10 µg/kg/min for 30 to 90 minutes. Propranolol clearance was measured during steady state achieved by a constant infusion of propranolol. Glucagon produced dose-related changes in systemic and regional hemodynamics, the largest change being a shift of flow to the splanchnic circulation from the skeletal muscle. Total liver blood flow was more than doubled by the high dose of glucagon and propranolol clearance was increased 14.4% during the high-dose glucagon infusion whereas calculated hepatic extraction of propranolol fell 44%. These effects of increased hepatic blood flow on drug clearance could be predicted from a perfusion pharmacokinetic model. Glucagon seems a particularly effective way to increase rather specifically hepatic blood flow, and its use to increase drug clearance may have some clinical applications in treating drug intoxications.
Footnotes
- Received May 17, 1973.
- Accepted August 2, 1973.
- © 1973 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.
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