Endocrine Abstracts

This study examined the effects of maternal diet during late pregnancy and body shape at birth, on postnatal plasma concentrations of IGF1 and leptin.From day 85 of gestation pregnant sows were offered the standard diet (S: n=4) or the S diet plus 30% extra energy derived from either carbohydrate (C: n=5) or palm oil (PO: n=5). Piglets were selected from the normal distribution curve of Ponderal Index (PI: kg/m3), long and thin (Thin<10 <su...

This study examined the effects of maternal diet during late pregnancy and body shape at birth, on postnatal plasma concentrations of IGF1 and leptin.From day 85 of gestation pregnant sows were offered the standard diet (S: n=4) or the S diet plus 30% extra energy derived from either carbohydrate (C: n=5) or palm oil (PO: n=5). Piglets were selected from the normal distribution curve of Ponderal Index (PI: kg/m3), long and thin (Thin<10 <su...

There are many theories regarding the function of UCP3, including transportation of fatty acids out of the mitochondria and production of reactive oxygen species. The function of UCP3 may influence the development of obesity and diabetes mellitus. In rodents UCP3 mRNA levels increase after T(sub)3(/sub) treatment. The ancient Meishan breed has enhanced neonatal survival rates than lean commercial breeds (C). Previous studies have demonstrated that plasma T(sub)3(/sub) is lower...

It is well established that the reduced neonatal mortality in Meishan, compared to commercial piglets, is due to resistance to hypothermia and hypoglycaemia. Underlying factors responsible for the differences in survival may include the disparity in plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) concentrations and UCP expression (Mostyn et al (2004) Journal of Endocrinology, in press). ZD7114 (ZD), a synthetic beta3-adrenoceptor agonist, has been shown to improve thermogenesis in la...