The effects of cold and glucagon on lipolysis, glycogenolysis and oxygen consumption in young chicks.

Abstract 1. 1. To study the possible role of glucagon in avian thermoregulation the effects of cold exposure and glucagon on lipolysis, glycogenolysis and oxygen consumption were measured in young chicks. 2. 2. Cold exposure (+10°C) and glucagon injection (0·3 mg/kg, i.p. at +30°C) both caused a marked increase in the plasma FFA and a decrease in the liver glycogen content. 3. 3. It is suggested that glucagon possibly acts in the avian thermoregulation by producing at least lipolysis and glycogenolysis during cold exposure.