Abstract
Chronic hyperglucagonemia produces persistent hypoaminoacidemia (HA). Glucagon does not cross the placenta; therefore, the effects of low maternal amino acids on the fetus could be studied. Alzet pumps delivered glucagon (0.25 mg/d) s.c. in 8 rats fed ad lib from d. 14 to 20 of gestation. Ten controls were sham-operated. Blood was obtained prior to implantation, at d. 3, and before delivery for total amino acids (α-amino nitrogen), glucose, and insulin. Four dams (HA-A) had weight gain and caloric intake comparable to controls; the other 4 (HA-B) gained no weight and had 1/3 lower caloric intake. Glucose cone. declined comparably from d. 14 to 20 in all groups. Insulin was unaffected in HA-A, but decreased in HA-B.Fetal weight on day 20 was 4.01±0.37 g in controls (n=102), 3.90±0.51 in HA-A (45), but 3.05±0.27 in HA-B (48). Fetal glucose and insulin levels were similar as were fetal amino acid levels. The latter resulted in higher feto-maternal ratios in both HA groups (p <0.001). Thus, hypoaminoacidemia in mothers with normal weight gain did not affect fetal weight due to the ability of the conceptus to maintain total amino acid levels.
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