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Horm Metab Res 1976; 8(6): 478-482
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093600
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Pregnancy on Serum Alanine Concentration in Normal and Genetically Diabetic Mice

A. S. Reddi , W.  Oppermann , L. H. Strugatz , H. S. Cole , R. A. Camerini-Davalos
  • Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Metabolism and Diabetes Division, New York Medical College, New York, N.Y., USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Serum alanine concentration was determined in nonpregnant and pregnant normal control Swiss albino (SA) and genetically diabetic KK mice. The serum alanine levels were significantly lower in nonpregnant KK than in nonpregnant SA mice. Fasting elicited hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both groups of pregnant mice. Oral administration of alanine in nonpregnant and pregnant mice resulted in a significant rise in blood sugar levels within 15 min in both groups. However, the initial blood sugar respone to oral alanine was greater in pregnant than in nonpregnant mice. This increase in blood sugar response to exogenous alanine appears to be mediated by glucagon. The data suggest that pregnancy elicits hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and hypoalaninemia in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice.

Key words

Pregnancy - Alanine - Genetic Diabetes - Gluconeogenesis