Endocrine Abstracts

Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) has many postulated functions, including possible solute exchange and immunity within the neonatal lung. The effect of maternal nutrition during late gestation on UCP2 abundance in the ovine neonatal lung has not been determined.Twin-bearing ewes of similar age and body weight were individually housed from 110 days gestation. Six controls (C) were fed and consumed 100% of their energy requirements for maintenance and growth of...

Introduction: Umbilical cord occlusion (UO) sufficient to restrict fetal blood supply by 30 percent results in a range of fetal endocrine adaptations including increased fetal plasma cortisol. The extent to which this may promote premature maturation of fetal organs and tissues is not known. This study aimed to determine if UO results in premature maturation of mitochondria within fetal adipose tissue.Methods: Nine ewes were entered into the study, which...