Abstract
Using a model of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), we have previously shown that 91% of dysmature rat pups develop hypoglycemia 2-4 hrs after birth and that prenatal glucocorticoid treatment significantly reduces this tendency. The present study was designed to examine the possible interrelationship between the protective effect of corticoids and the metabolism of gluconeogenic (GNG) substrate. Accordingly, plasma aminograms were determined at birth and at 2-4 hrs of age in untreated (I) and treated (II) IUGR pups. Values below are in μmoles/ml. ± S.E.
Compared to control newborns, both groups of IUGR pups showed higher total plasma amino acid (aa) concentrations at birth. As shown, the group given glucocorticoid had higher concentrations than untreated pups of major GNG aa, alanine or glutamine & glutamic acid. This difference was evident both at birth (ala, p<.001; gln + glu, p<.001) and at 2-4 hrs of age (ala, p<.02; gln + glu, p<.06). Thus, the reduced tendency to develop hypoglycemia after treatment is associated with greater availability of GNG aa. Furthermore, the decrease in alanine concentration after birth is greater in group II, suggesting increased utilization of this amino acid. We therefore postulate that the hormone may act to both increase the supply of GNG substrate and stimulate enzymes essential for gluconeogenesis from alanine.
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Manniello, R., Schulman, J., Farrell, P. et al. AMINO ACID METABOLISM IN DYSMATURE NEWBORN RATS: POSSIBLE EXPLANATION FOR THE ANTIHYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF PRENATAL GLUCOCORTICOIDS. Pediatr Res 11, 409 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00239
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00239
