scholarly journals The Ontogeny of Insulin Signaling in the Preterm Baboon Model

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. 1990-1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Blanco ◽  
Hanyu Liang ◽  
Joaquin Joya-Galeana ◽  
Ralph A. DeFronzo ◽  
Donald McCurnin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Signaling Proteins ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Near Term

Hyperglycemia, a prevalent condition in premature infants, is thought to be a consequence of incomplete suppression of endogenous glucose production and reduced insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in peripheral tissues. However, the molecular basis for these conditions remains unclear. To test the hypothesis that the insulin transduction pathway is underdeveloped with prematurity, fetal baboons were delivered, anesthetized, and euthanized at 125 d gestational age (GA), 140 d GA, or near term at 175 d GA. Vastus lateralis muscle and liver tissues were obtained, and protein content of insulin signaling molecules [insulin receptor (IR)-β, IR substate-1, p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, and AS160] and glucose transporters (GLUT)-1 and GLUT4 was measured by Western blotting. Muscle from 125 d GA baboons had markedly reduced GLUT1 protein content (16% of 140 d GA and 9% of 175 d GA fetuses). GLUT4 and AS160 also were severely reduced in 125 d GA fetal muscle (43% of 175 d GA and 35% of 175 d GA, respectively). In contrast, the protein content of IR-β, IR substate-1, and Akt was elevated by 1.7-, 5.2-, and 1.9-fold, respectively, in muscle from 125 d GA baboons when compared with 175 d GA fetuses. No differences were found in the content of insulin signaling proteins in liver. In conclusion, significant gestational differences exist in the protein content of several insulin signaling proteins in the muscle of fetal baboons. Reduced muscle content of key glucose transport-regulating proteins (GLUT1, GLUT4, AS160) could play a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal hyperglycemia and reduced insulin-stimulated glucose disposal.

Peripheral and hepatic resistance to insulin and hepatic resistance to glucagon in uraemic subjects

1988 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Infusion ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Hepatic Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Hepatic Insulin Resistance ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Endogenous Glucose

Abstract. To characterize endogenous glucose production in uraemia, nondialyzed uraemic patients and controls were exposed to two major modulating hormones, insulin and glucagon. Nineteen uraemic and 15 healthy subjects underwent either a 2-step (insulin infusion rates: 0.45 and 1.0 mU·kg−1·min−1) or a 3-step (insulin infusion rates: 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mU·kg−1·min−1 sequential euglycaemic insulin clamp. Average steady state serum insulin concentrations were almost identical during all five infusion rates in uraemic patients (16,22, 26, 31 and 66 mU/l) and controls (15, 19, 24, 33 and 68 mU/l). At all steps, insulin infusion was accompanied by significantly lower glucose disposal rates ([3−3H]glucose) in uraemic patients compared with controls (P < 0.05 or less). Moreover, the restraining potency of insulin on endogenous glucose production was much more prominent in healthy than in uraemic subjects at the lowest three infusion rates (0.6 ± 1.0 versus 1.4 ± 0.3 (mean ± 1 sd), −0.3 ± 0.7 versus 0.7 ± 0.3, and −1.1 ± 0.7 versus 0.2 ± 0.6 mg·kg−1·min−1; P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), implying a shift to the right of the dose-response curve in uraemia. In contrast, basal values were comparable (2.4 ± 0.3 versus 2.2 ± 0.6 mg·kg−1·min−1) as the difference vanished at higher infusion rates, i.e. peripheral insulinaemia above ≈30 mU/l. Another 7 uraemic patients and 7 controls were infused with glucagon at constant rates of 4 or 6 ng·kg−1·min−1, respectively, for 210 min concomitant with somatostatin (125 μg/h) and tritiated glucose. The ability of glucagon to elevate plasma glucose was markedly attenuated in uraemic patients compared with controls during the initial 60 min of glucagon exposure. This difference was entirely due to diminished hepatic glucose production (3.5 ± 0.8 versus 4.8 ± 1.0 mg·kg−1·min−1; P < 0.05). In conclusion, in addition to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, uraemia is also associated with hepatic insulin resistance. Furthermore, glucagon challenge implies impaired early endogenous glucose release in uraemia suggesting a superimposed hepatic resistance to glucagon.

scholarly journals Antenatal corticosteroids alter insulin signaling pathways in fetal baboon skeletal muscle

2014 ◽  
Vol 221 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L Blanco ◽  
Alvaro G Moreira ◽  
Lisa L McGill-Vargas ◽  
Diana G Anzueto ◽  
Peter Nathanielsz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Signal Transduction Pathway ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Antenatal Corticosteroids ◽  
Insulin Signal Transduction ◽  
Insulin Signal Transduction Pathway

We hypothesize that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) negatively alters the insulin signal transduction pathway and has differing effects on the fetus according to gestational age (GA) at exposure. Twenty-three fetal baboons were delivered from 23 healthy, nondiabetic mothers. Twelve preterm (0.67 GA) and 11 near-term (0.95 GA) baboons were killed immediately after delivery. Half of the pregnant baboons at each gestation received two doses of i.m. betamethasone 24 h apart (170 μg/kg) before delivery, while the other half received no intervention. Vastus lateralis muscle was obtained from postnatal animals to measure the protein content and gene expression of insulin receptor β (IRβ; INSR), IRβ Tyr 1361 phosphorylation (pIRβ), IR substrate 1 (IRS1), IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation (pIRS1), p85 subunit of PI3-kinase, AKT (protein kinase B), phospho-AKT Ser473 (pAKT), AKT1, AKT2, and glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT4). Skeletal muscle from preterm baboons exposed to GCs had markedly reduced protein content of AKT and AKT1 (respectively, 73 and 72% from 0.67 GA control, P<0.001); IRβ and pIRβ were also decreased (respectively, 94 and 85%, P<0.01) in the muscle of premature GC-exposed fetuses but not in term fetuses. GLUT1 and GLUT4 tended to increase with GC exposure in preterm animals (P=0.09), while GLUT4 increased sixfold in term animals after exposure to GC (P<0.05). In conclusion, exposure to a single course of antenatal GCs during fetal life alters the insulin signaling pathway in fetal muscle in a manner dependent on the stage of gestation.

Epinephrine inhibits insulin-mediated glycogenesis but enhances glycolysis in human skeletal muscle

1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (3) ◽  
pp. E430-E435 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Raz ◽  
A. Katz ◽  
M. K. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
High Energy Phosphates ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Glucose Tolerant ◽  
Femoris Muscle

The effect of epinephrine (E) infusion on insulin-mediated glucose metabolism in humans has been studied. Eight glucose-tolerant men were studied on two separate occasions: 1) during 120 min of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (UH, approximately 5 mM; 40 mU.m-2.min-1); and 2) during UH while E was infused (UHE, 0.05 microgram.kg-1.min-1). Biopsies were taken from the quadriceps femoris muscle before and after each clamp. Glucose disposal, correcting for endogenous glucose production, was 36 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 2 (SE) mumol.kg fat-free mass (FFM)-1.min-1 during the last 40 min of UH and UHE, respectively (P less than 0.001). Nonoxidative glucose disposal (presumably glycogenesis) averaged 23.0 +/- 3.0 and 4.0 +/- 1.1 (P less than 0.001), whereas carbohydrate oxidation (which is proportional to glycolysis) averaged 13.1 +/- 1.4 and 15.3 +/- 1.1 mumol.kg FFM-1.min-1 (P less than 0.05) during UH and UHE, respectively. UHE resulted in significantly higher contents of UDP-glucose, hexose monophosphates, postphosphofructokinase intermediates, and glucose 1,6-bisphosphate (G-1,6-P2) in muscle (P less than 0.05-0.001), but there were no significant differences in high-energy phosphates or fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-P2) between treatments. Fractional activities of phosphorylase increased (P less than 0.01), and glycogen synthase decreased (P less than 0.001) during UHE. It is concluded that E inhibits insulin-mediated glycogenesis because of an inactivation of glycogen synthase and an activation of glycogenolysis. E also appears to inhibit insulin-mediated glucose utilization, at least partly, because of an increase in G-6-phosphate (which inhibits hexokinase) and enhances glycolysis by G-1,6-P2-, fructose 6-phosphate-, and F-1,6-P2-mediated activation of PFK.

Effect of IGF-I on FFA and glucose metabolism in control and type 2 diabetic subjects

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (6) ◽  
pp. E1360-E1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thongchai Pratipanawatr ◽  
Wilailak Pratipanawatr ◽  
Clifford Rosen ◽  
Rachele Berria ◽  
Mandeep Bajaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Plasma Ffa ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

The effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin on free fatty acid (FFA) and glucose metabolism were compared in eight control and eight type 2 diabetic subjects, who received a two-step euglycemic hyperinsulinemic (0.25 and 0.5 mU · kg−1 · min−1) clamp and a two-step euglycemic IGF-I (26 and 52 pmol · kg−1 · min−1) clamp with [3-3H]glucose, [1-14C]palmitate, and indirect calorimetry. The insulin and IGF-I infusion rates were chosen to augment glucose disposal (Rd) to a similar extent in control subjects. In type 2 diabetic subjects, stimulation of Rd (second clamp step) in response to both insulin and IGF-I was reduced by ∼40–50% compared with control subjects. In control subjects, insulin was more effective than IGF-I in suppressing endogenous glucose production (EGP) during both clamp steps. In type 2 diabetic subjects, insulin-mediated suppression of EGP was impaired, whereas EGP suppression by IGF-I was similar to that of controls. In both control and diabetic subjects, IGF-I-mediated suppression of plasma FFA concentration and inhibition of FFA turnover were markedly impaired compared with insulin ( P < 0.01–0.001). During the second IGF-I clamp step, suppression of plasma FFA concentration and FFA turnover was impaired in diabetic vs. control subjects ( P < 0.05–0.01). Conclusions: 1) IGF-I is less effective than insulin in suppressing EGP and FFA turnover; 2) insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic subjects also exhibit IGF-I resistance in skeletal muscle. However, suppression of EGP by IGF-I is not impaired in diabetic individuals, indicating normal hepatic sensitivity to IGF-I.

Enteral infusion of glucose at rates approximating EGP enhances glucose disposal but does not cause hypoglycemia

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (2) ◽  
pp. E280-E286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Zangeneh ◽  
Rita Basu ◽  
Pankaj Shah ◽  
Puneet Arora ◽  
Michael Camilleri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Glucose Sensor ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Glucose Disappearance ◽  
Endogenous Glucose ◽  
Glucose Plasma ◽  
Portal Infusion

Portal infusion of glucose at rates approximating endogenous glucose production (EGP) causes paradoxical hypoglycemia in wild-type but not GLUT2 null mice, implying activation of a specific portal glucose sensor. To determine whether this occurs in humans, glucose containing [3-3H]glucose was infused intraduodenally at rates of 3.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1 ( n = 5), 1.55 mg · kg-1 · min-1 ( n = 9), or 0/0.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1 ( n = 9) for 7 h in healthy nondiabetic subjects. [6,6-2H2]glucose was infused intravenously to enable simultaneous measurement of EGP, glucose disappearance, and the rate of appearance of the intraduodenally infused glucose. Plasma glucose concentrations fell ( P < 0.01) from 90 ± 1 to 84 ± 2 mg/dl during the 0/0.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1 id infusions but increased ( P < 0.001) to 104 ± 5 and 107 ± 3 mg/dl, respectively, during the 1.55 and 3.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1 id infusions. In contrast, insulin increased ( P < 0.05) during the 1.55 and 3.0 mg · kg-1 · min-1 infusions, reaching a peak of 10 ± 2 and 18 ± 5 μU/ml, respectively, by 2 h. Insulin concentrations then fell back to concentrations that no longer differed by study end (7 ± 1 vs. 8 ± 1 μU/ml). This resulted in comparable suppression of EGP by study end (0.84 ± 0.2 and 0.63 ± 0.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1). Glucose disappearance was higher ( P < 0.01) during the final hour of the 3.1 than 1.55 mg · kg-1 · min-1 id infusion (4.47 ± 0.2 vs. 2.6 ± 0.1 mg · kg-1 · min-1), likely because of the slightly, but not significantly, higher glucose and insulin concentrations. We conclude that, in contrast to mice, selective portal glucose delivery at rates approximating EGP does not cause hypoglycemia in humans.

Effects of norepinephrine infusion on in vivo insulin sensitivity and responsiveness

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (2) ◽  
pp. E210-E215 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Lupien ◽  
M. F. Hirshman ◽  
E. S. Horton
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Hepatic Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Glucose Turnover ◽  
Adrenergic Blockade ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Peripheral Tissues

The effect of a continuous infusion of norepinephrine (NE) on glucose disposal in vivo was examined in conscious restrained rats using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. NE, 1,000 micrograms.kg-1.day-1 (130 nmol.kg-1.h-1) or vehicle (CO) was infused for 10 days in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. Body weight and food intake were similar in both groups of animals throughout the study. Fasting basal plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were similar in both groups. However, basal hepatic glucose production (HGP) was increased by NE treatment (9.03 +/- 0.63 vs. 13.20 +/- 1.15 mg.kg-1.min-1, P less than 0.05, CO vs. NE, respectively). Insulin infusions of 2, 6, and 200 mU.kg-1.min-1 suppressed HGP to the same degree in both groups. During 2, 6, and 200 mU.kg-1.h-1 insulin infusions the glucose disposal rate was 65, 60, and 13% greater in NE-treated animals than in controls. Acute beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol infused at 405 nmol.kg-1.h-1 during the glucose clamps did not normalize glucose disposal. These results demonstrate that chronic NE infusion is associated with increased basal glucose turnover and increased insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissues.

Skeletal muscle basal AMP-activated protein kinase activity is chronically elevated in alloxan-diabetic dogs: impact of exercise

2003 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 1523-1530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Christopher ◽  
Zhi-Ping Chen ◽  
Christian Rantzau ◽  
Bruce E. Kemp ◽  
Frank P. Alford
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Protein Kinase Activity ◽  
Acetyl Coa Carboxylase ◽  
Acetyl Coa ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Diabetic Dogs ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase

The effect of diabetes and exercise on skeletal muscle (SkM) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α1 and -α2 activities and site-specific phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase was examined in the same six dogs before alloxan (35 mg/kg)-induced diabetes (C) and after 4-5 wk of suboptimally controlled hyperglycemic and hypoinsulinemic diabetes (DHG) in the presence and absence of 300-min phlorizin (50 μg·kg-1·min-1)-induced “normoglycemia” (DNG). In each study, the dog underwent a 150-min [3-3H]glucose infusion period, followed by a 30-min treadmill exercise test (60-70% maximal oxygen capacity) to measure the rate of glucose disposal into peripheral tissues (Rdtissue). SkM biopsies were taken from the thigh (vastus lateralis) before and immediately after exercise. In the C and DHG states, the rise in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) with exercise (∼40%) was similar. In the DNG group, preexercise FFA were significantly higher, but the absolute rise in FFA with exercise was similar. However, the exercise-induced increment in Rdtissue was significantly blunted (by ∼40-50%) in the DNG group compared with the other states. In SkM, preexercise AMPKα1 and -α2 activities were significantly elevated (by ∼60-125%) in both diabetic states, but unlike the C group these activities did not rise further with exercise. Additionally, preexercise acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation in both diabetic states was elevated by ∼70-80%, but the increases with exercise were similar to the C group. Preexercise AMPKα1 and -α2 activities were negatively correlated with Rdtissue during exercise for the combined groups (both P < 0.02). In conclusion, the elevated preexercise SkM AMPKα1 and -α2 activities contribute to the ongoing basal supply of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in suboptimally controlled hypoinsulinemic diabetic dogs; but whether they also play a permissive role in the metabolic stress response to exercise remains uncertain.

scholarly journals The Rate of Glucose Appearance Is Related to Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Stable Isotope Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 149 (11) ◽  
pp. 1896-1903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanny M Boers ◽  
Marjan Alssema ◽  
David J Mela ◽  
Harry P F Peters ◽  
Roel J Vonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Postprandial Glucose ◽  
Peripheral Circulation ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Circulation Rate ◽  
Total Glucose

Abstract Background It is often assumed that lower postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses are induced by slower glucose influx from the gut (e.g., by delayed carbohydrate digestion). However, changes in the rate of appearance of glucose in the peripheral circulation [rate of appearance of exogenous glucose (RaE)] may be accompanied by changes in endogenous glucose production (EGP) and the rate of disappearance of total glucose into tissues (RdT). The quantitative relationships between reductions in RaE and PPG/PPI levels are unclear. Objectives The objective was to perform a meta-analysis to quantify the effect of changes in RaE on changes in PPG and PPI levels (primary) and EGP and RdT (secondary). Methods We systematically searched the Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane library databases through 10 January 2019 for randomized, controlled, carbohydrate-rich interventions that aimed to reduce RaE in humans, measured using dual or triple stable isotope methods. The 2-h net incremental AUCs for all variables were extracted or calculated. Relationships between RaE and outcomes were quantified by weighted regression analyses. Results There were 12 articles, including 17 comparisons, that satisfied the inclusion criteria. The subjects were mainly men (60%), with age and BMI ranges of 18–40 y and 20.0–27.5 kg/m2, respectively. A 10% reduction in RaE was associated with reductions in PPG levels, PPI levels, and the RdT of 7% (95% CI: 2%, 12%; P = 0.010), 8% (95% CI: 2%, 13%; P = 0.012), and 11% (95% CI: 4%, 17%; P = 0.005), respectively, but was not significantly associated with a change in EGP (13%; 95% CI: −7%, 33%; P = 0.176). All fluxes together explained 70% and 26% of the variances in PPG and PPI levels, respectively. Conclusions In adults, reducing glucose RaE by diet is associated with significant reductions in PPG levels, PPI levels, and the rate of glucose disposal. This trial was registered in the PROSPERO database with identifier CRD42018084824.

scholarly journals In vivo activation of ROCK1 by insulin is impaired in skeletal muscle of humans with type 2 diabetes

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (3) ◽  
pp. E536-E542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwang-Hoon Chun ◽  
Kang-Duk Choi ◽  
Dae-Ho Lee ◽  
YoonShin Jung ◽  
Robert R. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Resistance To Insulin ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

To determine whether serine/threonine ROCK1 is activated by insulin in vivo in humans and whether impaired activation of ROCK1 could play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, we measured the activity of ROCK1 and the protein content of the Rho family in vastus lateralis muscle of lean, obese nondiabetic, and obese type 2 diabetic subjects. Biopsies were taken after an overnight fast and after a 3-h hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Insulin-stimulated GDR was reduced 38% in obese nondiabetic subjects compared with lean, 62% in obese diabetic subjects compared with lean, and 39% in obese diabetic compared with obese nondiabetic subjects (all comparisons P < 0.001). Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation is impaired 41–48% in diabetic subjects compared with lean or obese subjects. Basal activity of ROCK1 was similar in all groups. Insulin increased ROCK1 activity 2.1-fold in lean and 1.7-fold in obese nondiabetic subjects in muscle. However, ROCK1 activity did not increase in response to insulin in muscle of obese type 2 diabetic subjects without change in ROCK1 protein levels. Importantly, insulin-stimulated ROCK1 activity was positively correlated with insulin-mediated GDR in lean subjects ( P < 0.01) but not in obese or type 2 diabetic subjects. Moreover, RhoE GTPase that inhibits the catalytic activity of ROCK1 by binding to the kinase domain of the enzyme is notably increased in obese type 2 diabetic subjects, accounting for defective ROCK1 activity. Thus, these data suggest that ROCK1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of resistance to insulin action on glucose disposal in muscle of obese type 2 diabetic subjects.

scholarly journals Adrenal glands are essential for activation of glucogenesis during undernutrition in fetal sheep near term

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (1) ◽  
pp. E94-E102 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Fowden ◽  
A. J. Forhead
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Oxygen Metabolism ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Endogenous Glucose Production ◽  
Hepatic Glycogen ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Near Term

In adults, the adrenal glands are essential for the metabolic response to stress, but little is known about their role in fetal metabolism. This study examined the effects of adrenalectomizing fetal sheep on glucose and oxygen metabolism in utero in fed conditions and after maternal fasting for 48 h near term. Fetal adrenalectomy (AX) had little effect on the rates of glucose and oxygen metabolism by the fetus or uteroplacental tissues in fed conditions. Endogenous glucose production was negligible in both AX and intact, sham-operated fetuses in fed conditions. Maternal fasting reduced fetal glucose levels and umbilical glucose uptake in both groups of fetuses to a similar extent but activated glucose production only in the intact fetuses. The lack of fasting-induced glucogenesis in AX fetuses was accompanied by falls in fetal glucose ultilization and oxygen consumption not seen in intact controls. The circulating concentrations of cortisol and total catecholamines, and the hepatic glycogen content and activities of key gluconeogenic enzymes, were also less in AX than intact fetuses in fasted animals. Insulin concentrations were also lower in AX than intact fetuses in both nutritional states. Maternal glucose utilization and its distribution between the fetal, uteroplacental, and nonuterine maternal tissues were unaffected by fetal AX in both nutritional states. Ovine fetal adrenal glands, therefore, have little effect on basal rates of fetal glucose and oxygen metabolism but are essential for activating fetal glucogenesis in response to maternal fasting. They may also be involved in regulating insulin sensitivity in utero.

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