EFFECT OF PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS ON PLASMA GLUCAGON AND SERUM INSULIN CONCENTRATIONS

The acute elevation of plasma free fatty acids to levels found during prolonged starvation by means of infusion of a triglyceride emulsion plus heparin in 5 dogs was associated with a 40 per cent decrease in plasma glucagon and a 33 per cent increase in serum insulin. This inhibitory feedback of free fatty acid on glucagon secretion and stimulatory feedback on insulin secretion very likely contribute to the smooth transition from carbohydrate to fat metabolism characteristic of prolonged starvation without the danger of progressive ketoacidosis. © 1968.