Abstract
FETAL whole blood glucose levels are usually lower than, and fluctuate with, maternal levels. That is, a favourable concentration gradient is maintained to allow for the facilitated transfer of glucose across the placenta from mother to fetus1,2. This situation is apparently reversed in the Weddell seal. The concentration of glucose in maternal whole blood is lower than that in fetal blood during at least three metabolic states: in the resting–fasting state, in simulated diving, and in recovery from diving3. We report here that one factor contributing to this unusual relationship between maternal and fetal blood glucose is the relatively low gradient between normal blood levels in fetus and mother. This is made possible by high haematocrit values and a low turnover of glucose in both parent and fetus.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
