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Fetal Hormones and Neonatal Survival in Response to Altered Maternal Serum Glucose and Free Fatty Acid Concentrations in Pigs¹

University of Georgia, Athens 30602

² Send reprint requests to Roy J. Martin, Dept. of Foods and Nutr., Univ. of Georgia, Athens 30602.

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.

¹ This research was supported in part by grants from the National Pork Producers Council and NIH Grant AM 27552-03.