Abstract
Background & Aims: Glucagon action in the liver is essential for control of glucose homeostasis and the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia. Because receptors for the related peptides glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon-like peptide-2 regulate β-cell and enterocyte apoptosis, respectively, we examined whether glucagon receptor (Gcgr) signaling modulates hepatocyte survival. Methods: The importance of the Gcgr for hepatocyte cell survival was examined using Gcgr+/+ and Gcgr-/- mice in vivo, and murine hepatocyte cultures in vitro. Results: Gcgr-/- mice showed enhanced susceptibility to experimental liver injury induced by either Fas Ligord activation or a methionine- and choline-deficient diet. Restoration of hepatic Gcgr expression in Gcgr-/- mice attenuated the development of hepatocellular injury. Furthermore, exogenous glucagon administration reduced Jo2-induced apoptosis in wild-type mice and decreased caspase activation in fibroblasts expressing a heterologous Gcgr and in primary murine hepatocyte cultures. The anti-apoptotic actions of glucagon were independent of protein kinase A, phosphatioylinositol-3K, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, and were mimicked by the exchange protein directly activated by the cyclic AMP agonist 8-(4-chloro-phenylthio)-2′-O-methyladerosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate-cAMP. Conclusions: These findings extend the essential actions of the Gcgr beyond the metabolic control of glucose homeostasis to encompass the regulation of hepatocyte survival.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2096-2106 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Gastroenterology |
Volume | 135 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology