Abstract:

The molecular weight distribution of mouse liver glycogen under different conditions has been investigated. Factors which diminish glycogen content, such as fasting, epinephrine, glucagon, insulin, and ischemia, were found to produce only a slight decrease in molecular weight. After glucose administration, the molecular weight distribution remained nearly unchanged although glycogen content increased considerably. Glycogen synthesized by different metabolic pathways, as after administration of different monosaccharides or of hydrocortisone, could not be distinguished as judged by their molecular weight. No change was observed after injection of growth hormone. The possible mechanisms by which the molecular weight distribution is maintained nearly constant are discussed. © 1967.