Plasma Glucagon Levels During Rapid Exsanguination with and without Adrenergic Blockade

In eleven dogs made hypotensive by means of rapid exsanguination over a period of forty to seventy minutes, mean glucagon rose to a peak of 516 ± (S.E.) 150 pg/ml. and mean glucose to a peak of 341 ± 27 mg. per 100 ml. The hyperglucagonemia induced by exsanguination was substantially reduced, although not abolished, by propranolol infusion, but was not diminished by phentolamine, suggesting that it was largely a β-adrenergic effect. Its possible contribution to survival during shock is considered.