Plasma Insulin, Glucagon, and Gut Glucagon-like Immunoreactivity during Experimentally Induced Hyperammonemia in Rats

Fed and fasted rats injected with urease showed a dramatic and sustained elevation in plasma ammonia concentrations. Plasma glucose concentrations were also elevated following urease treatment in both fed and fasted rats. The increase in plasma ammonia following urease treatment was accompanied by a significant increase in the average plasma insulin concentrations in both groups. There was no consistent effect of ammonia intoxication on plasma glucagon or gut glucagon-like immunoreactivity.