Gluconeogenesis in vertebrate livers.

1. The hypothesis is advanced that it would be logical for a tissue (liver) to evolve as a gluconeogenic organ in order to recover the lactate produced as a result of rapid and sustained contraction of skeletal muscle. 2. Lactate was present in skeletal muscle of all animals examined and increased following electrical stimulation. It was also present in the blood. 3. Gluconeogenesis from lactate occurred in liver slices of all animals excepting amphibia. However, livers of these animals also contained much glycogen and are probably gluconeogenic. 4. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was present in all animals investigated; pyruvate carboxylase was present in all animals excepting the toad.