Fetal Hormones and Neonatal Survival in Response to Altered Maternal Serum Glucose and Free Fatty Acid Concentrations in Pigs

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Serum metabolite and hormone concentrations were examined in sows, term fetuses and neonatal pigs in response to severe endocrine or nutritional restrictions. After development of maternal alloxan diabetes or maternal fasting, serum concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), growth hormone (GH) and glucagon were higher, and concentrations of insulin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were lower compared with pregnant controls. Glucose concentrations were much higher in diabetic compared with fasted or control gilts. Although marked differences in metabolite concentrations existed between control and fasted gilts, no differences were demonstrated in metabolite concentrations of their offspring. In contrast, relative differences in metabolite concentrations of diabetic gilts were sustained in their offspring, compared with fetuses of control gilts (FCG). Serum insulin concentration and in vitro pancreatic insulin release were greater in fetuses of diabetic gilts (FDG), compared with FCG. Other alterations in serum hormones of FDG compared with FCG, were a 32% increase in T3 and a 34% decrease in GH concentrations. Glucagon levels were 79 and 75% lower in FDG and fetuses of fasted gilts (FFG) respectively, compared with FCG. Piglets from diabetic gilts demonstrated greater survival after 47 and 60 h of fasting, compared with control neonates. Survival was also improved in pigs from fasted gilts, but not to the extent seen in FDG. Compared with FCG, serum GH, glucagon and Cortisol were lower, and glucose and FFA concentrations were higher in FDG during fasting. Serum glucagon was lower and T3 and T4 concentrations were higher in FFG compared with FCG. Maternal diabetes altered fetal hormone levels, and improved survival and maintenance of serum glucose levels during neonatal fasting. Copyright © 1982. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1982 by American Society of Animal Science.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: