Fig. 5
From: Gut ghrelin regulates hepatic glucose production and insulin signaling via a gut-brain-liver pathway
Duodenal ghrelin increases hepatic PEPCK, G6Pase and PGC-1α expression through a gut-brain-liver neurocircuitry. Intraduodenal ghrelin infusion in rats increased hepatic PEPCK, G6Pase and PGC-1α mRNA expression (a) and PEPCK protein expression (b). Rats that received tetracaine (a and b), MK-801 in the NTS (c and d) or HVAG (e and f) failed to respond to duodenal ghrelin to increase hepatic PEPCK, G6Pase and PGC-1α expression. NTS, nucleus of the solitary tract; HVAG, hepatic vagotomy. Values are shown as mean ± SEM. ** P < 0.01 vs. other groups