Starvation-Induced Ketone Body Production in the Conscious Unrestrained Miniature Pig

The effect of short-term starvation (up to 5 days) on hepatic ketone body production was investigated in the conscious unrestrained miniature pig in vivo. Starvation induced an increase in arterial free fatty acid concentration (0.2– 0.7mm) with a concomitant elevation in hepatic free fatty acid extraction [-1.4–5.7 µmol/kg · minute), r = 0.53, P < 0.005]. Ketone body production (sum of acetoacetate + β-hydroxybutyrate) increased from 1.5 to 5.8 µmol/(kg · minute) in parallel (r = 0.71, P < 0.0005). During starvation arterial insulin levels decreased, glucagon increased, cortisol remained unchanged and a “low T3 state” was observed. These data differ in some aspects from those reported for humans and dogs. Thus a species-specific variation in the fuel economy of the pig's body is proposed. starvation miniature pig hepatic ketogenesis hepatic free fatty acid extraction