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 plus or minus (S.E.) 150 pg/ml. and mean glucose to a peak of 341 plus or minus 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 beta-adrenergic effect. Its possible contribution to survival during shock is considered.