Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: In sheep, modest maternal nutrient restriction over the period of rapid placental growth restricts placentome growth. Maternal plasma IGF-I concentration is unaffected but effects on placental IGF-I receptor mRNA expression are not known.Methods: Twenty singleton-bearing ewes of similar body weight and parity were entered into the study. Ten ewes consumed 60% of their total energy requirements (i.e. nutrient restricted, NR) from 28 to 80 da...

Increases in proinflammatory pathways and macrophages in adipose tissue (AT) have been implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity (1). Nutrient-restriction (NR) in early to mid gestation reduces maternal plasma cortisol and increases fetal AT (2). Uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 is genetically linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, and has been implicated in macrophage-mediated immunity. The effect of maternal NR in early to mid and late gestation on UCP2 and glucocortico...

Introduction: Mice in which the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene is knocked out have reduced adipose tissue in later life. Abundance of the PRLR is greatest in adipose tissue at birth and is reduced following placental restriction. The present study investigated the impact of maternal nutrient restriction over the final two months of gestation on PRLR abundance in developing lambs.Methods: Eighteen multiparous twin bearing ewes were entered into the study,...

Introduction: In sheep, modest maternal nutrient restriction over the period of rapid placental growth followed by normal feeding to term results in offspring with a larger placenta and increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor in a range of tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this subsequently alters the relationship between basal cortisol and blood pressure in later life.Methods: Fourteen Welsh Mountai...