Investigation of glucose metabolism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome by isotope tracer

Abstract

Objective To establish a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),and to study the changes in glucose metabolism by isotope tracer.Methods Female SD rats aged 21 days were divided into control group and PCOS group (made by means of testosterone propionate and high-fat diet).After 8 weeks of molding,glucose tolerance test and rat tail vein perfusion experiment was conducted,by application of the principle of stable isotope tracer technique,rate of glucose appearance was compared in two groups and thus glucose metabolism was measured.Results Compared with control group,PCOS group showed polycystic ovarian changes and significantly elevated serum testosterone levels.After 8 weeks of molding,fasting blood glucose showed no significant difference,while glucose tolerance was impaired and rate of appearance of 6,6-d2-glucose increased significantly in PCOS rats.Conclusions The testosterone propionate combined with high-fat diet could induce PCOS rat model,and the PCOS rats demonstrated a significant increase of glucose rate of appearance despite of normal blood glucose level.Therefore it is suggested that during the early stage of PCOS,change in the glucose metabolism has appeared,and early intervention may be beneficial. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome; Testosterone propionate; High fat diet; Isotope tracer; Glucose metabolism