Maternal nutrition affects the ability of treatment with IGF-I and IGF-II to increase growth of the placenta and fetus, in guinea pigs
Date
2001
Authors
Sohlstrom, A.
Fernberg, P.
Owens, J.
Owens, P.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Growth Hormone and IGF Research, 2001; 11(6):392-398
Statement of Responsibility
A. Sohlström, P. Fernberg, J. A. Owens and P. C. Owens
Conference Name
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how administration of IGF-I and IGF-II, during early to mid pregnancy, affects maternal growth and body composition as well as fetal and placental growth, in ad libitum fed, and in moderately, chronically food restricted guinea pigs. From day 20 of gestation, mothers (3–4 months old) were infused with IGF-I, IGF-II (565 μg/day) or vehicle for 17 days and then killed on day 40 of gestation. Maternal organ weights, fetal and placental weights were assessed. Treatment with IGFs did not alter body weight gain and had small effects on body composition in the mothers. Both IGF-I and IGF-II increased fetal and placental weights in ad libitum fed dams and IGF-I increased placental weight in food restricted dams. In conclusion, treatment with IGF-I during the first half of pregnancy stimulates placental growth in both ad libitum fed and food restricted guinea pigs without affecting maternal growth while fetal growth is stimulated by IGF treatment only in ad libitum fed animals.