Effect of Intravenous Injection of Short Chain Fatty Acids on Glucagon Secretion in Sheep

The effect of intravenous injection of short chain fatty acids on glucagon secretion was examined in conscious sheep. Each acid was injected at a dose of 625 μmol/kg body weight. Plasma glucagon and glucose concentrations were determined after injection of each short chain fatty acid. All sodium salt solution of short chain fatty acids (propionate, n-butyrate, n-valerate and n-caproate), except for acetate, have stimulating activity on glucagon secretion in sheep in vivo. These results may indicate that the plasma glucagon levels are regulated by short chain fatty acids produced by rumen fermentation in ruminants.