Studies on the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the actions of glucagon and catecholamines on liver glycogen metabolism.

Glucagon causes a rapid activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in rat liver parenchymal cells which correlates well with the accumulation of cAMP. Full activation of phosphorylase or inactivation of glycogen synthase is achieved with half-maximal or less activation of protein kinase. Epinephrine stimulates glycogen breakdown in these cells mainly by mechanisms involving alpha-adrenergic receptors and not beta-receptors. Activition of alpha-receptors results in rapid activation of phosphorylase and inactivation of glycogen synthase without accumulation of cAMP or activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Activation of beta-receptors causes a transient rise in cAMP and a short-lived activation of protein kinase with correspondingly little stimulation of glycogenolysis.