Effect of glucocorticosteroids on the liver function of fasting sheep

: During a five-day fasting period prednisolone (30 mg/d) reduced strongly as a result of induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinaemia the rise of FFA and bilirubin in six nonpregnant ewes in contrast to six control animals. The liver fat content remained in treated ewes within the physiological range, but in control animals the fat concentration increased to 300 g/kg. beta-OH-butyrate was only a little influenced. Harmful effects on the liver function in prednisolone treated ewes could not be observed. Plasma cortisol concentration contradicted a depression of endogenous cortisol secretion.