Studies on transhepatic insulin absorption

The intraperitoneal administration of insulin has been recommended because it was found to effectively control the plasma glucose level. Several authors have suggested that intraperitoneal insulin administration may be more "physiological" and therefore preferable because the insulin is absorbed into the portal venous system without, however, identifying the exact pathways. The possibility that insulin is absorbed through the surface of the liver was investigated in rats. The results show that insulin is absorbed rapidly by this route, but the effect on glucose modulation is similar to that of insulin given by other routes. In contrast, the effect on glucose modulation was delayed following insulin administration into the lower peritoneal cavity with exclusion of the liver.