Carbohydrate Metabolism of the Chick Embryo

Abstract

Summary

1. Thyroxin and suprarenal cortical extract induce glycogenolysis of the glycogen normally present in the livers of 8-day embryos. 2. The injection of adrenalin in approximately physiological concentration appears to have no effect on liver glycogen. 3. Increased liver and skeletal muscle glycogen and a rise in the blood sugar level have been noted after the injection of crude anterior pituitary extract, suggesting a stimulation of gluconeogenesis. 4. Liver glycogen is increased in 8-day embryos by the injection of insulin and this increase is to be correlated with a rapid fall in the blood sugar level. 5. Injection of glucose fails to interrupt the normal disappearance of glycogen from the livers of 12-day embryos. 6. Both insulin and anterior pituitary extract cause an increase in the liver glycogen of 12-day embryos. The anterior pituitary extract also causes a rise in the blood sugar level at this time.