Late gestation fetal hyperglucagonaemia impairs placental function and results in diminished fetal protein accretion and decreased fetal growth.

ABSTRACT:

Key points

Fetal glucagon concentrations are elevated in the setting of placental insufficiency, hypoxia and elevated stress hormones. Chronically elevated glucagon concentrations in the adult result in profound decreases in amino acid concentrations and lean body mass. Experimental elevation of fetal glucagon concentrations in a late-gestation pregnant sheep results in lower fetal amino acid concentrations, lower protein accretion and lower fetal weight, in addition to decreased placental function. This study demonstrates a negative effect of glucagon on fetal protein accretion and growth, and also provides the first example of a fetal hormone that negatively regulates placental nutrient transport and blood flow.

Abstract

Fetal glucagon concentrations are elevated in the se

SUBMITTER: Cilvik SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8249343 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature