The effects of adenosine-5'-ethylcarboxamide on liver blood flow and hepatic glucose, lactate and pyruvate balances in dogs.

The actions of adenosine-5'-ethylcarboxamide (744-96), a long-acting adenosine analogue, on liver, portal and intestinal balances of glucose, lactate and pyruvate and on hepatic and portal blood flow were investigated in 6 chloralose-anaesthetized mongrel dogs. 744-96 led to an increase in portal and hepatic blood flow. Glucose release by the liver and glucose uptake by the non-hepatic splanchnic area (portal balance) were markedly increased by 744-96. Hepatic lactate and pyruvate balances were reversed from uptake to release by the adenosine analogue. The changes in glucose balances compare closely to the actions of glucagon, which is known to be released by 744-96. Apart from these possible glucagon-mediated actions, a direct action of the adenosine analogue must be assume from the changes in lactate metabolism. The results of this study are indicative of a substrate-mobilising action of adenosine in addition to its well-known vasodilatory action.