Effect of glucagon on galactose tolerance test in regenerating rat liver

In previous experimental study, we found that the estimation of galactose tolerance test correlated with functional reserve cell mass of the liver after partial hepatectomy and that glucose-6-phosphatase activity was significant factor on galactose metabolism in regenerating rat liver. In this paper, we studied the effect of glucagon on the estimation of galactose tolerance test after partial hepatectomy. Galactose tolerance test (T1/2) was most prolonged on 3rd day after partial hepatectomy and it was improved on 3rd day with glucagon treatment. In regenerating rat liver, glucose-6-phosphatase activity was increased and blood lactate concentration was decreased by glucagon, suggesting that glucagon was effective in regenerating rat liver due to protect the carbohydrate metabolism from liver cell damage.