Abstract
Fetal utilization of glucose is related to fetal glucose concentration[G], but previous studies did not separate the effects of ↑ [G] and the accompanying increase in insulin[I]. To study the effects of ↑[G] alone on fetal glucose metabolism, we infused U-14C-glucose, antipyrine (to measure umbilical blood flow, UBF), and somatostatin[S] (to suppress insulin release) in 7 chronically catheterized late gestation fetal lambs, measuring umbilical O2 and glucose uptake (UO2U, UGU) (Fick principle) and fetal glucose utilization and oxidation rates (GUR, GOxR) (tracer methodology) during a control period and after a 3 hr[S] infusion plus 90 minute hyperglycemic clamp.
Conclusions: With a 130%↑ in [G], GUR increased by 40% and GOxR by 50%. This GUR response is less than the maximal 2-fold increase previously measured in this laboratory with ↑[I] at both euglycemia and ↑[G]. Thus, (1) acute suppression of insulin release reduces the GUR response to hyperglycemia; and (2) at least 2 mechanisms control fetal metabolic response to changes in [G], one [I]-dependent and one [I]-independent.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Digiacomo, J., Hay, W. & Battaglia, F. EFFECT OF INCREASING GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION ALONE ON FETAL GLUCOSE UTILIZATION. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 340 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01040
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01040