Insulin resistance and beta cell failure in late pregnant mares with a low body condition score

Abstract

In pregnancy, changes in maternal metabolism are necessary to ensure normal development of the fetus. In pregnant mares, like many species, insulin mediated glucose uptake in maternal tissues is reduced (decreased insulin sensitivity), together with enhanced insulin secretion from pancreatic b cells (increased insulin responsiveness). Nevertheless the underlying mechanisms involved in these metabolic changes are not well defined. In examining such metabolic changes, we determined insulin and glucose responses in late pregnant mares with disparate body condition...