Glycogen Deposition in Fetal Mouse Tissues and the Effect of Dexamethasone

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Glycogen in fetal mouse tissues was isolated and determined using the anthrone method on gestational days 14–19. Fetal liver showed rapid glycogen deposition after gestational day 17, reaching a value of 46.7 mg/g wet weight on day 19. Heart and placenta showed sizable glycogen stores earlier, with peak values of 21.7 and 12.8 mg/g, respectively, on day 16 which declined thereafter. Lung maintained approximately 10 mg/g days 16–19; gut and brain contained approximately 2 and 4 mg/g, respectively, days 14–19. After injection of dexamethasone into mothers on gestational day 15.5, 16 h prior to assay, the glycogen content of liver increased approximately tenfold, while placental glycogen declined. This indicates that corticosteroids merely accelerate the pattern observed in the normal course of gestation.