Foetal programming of the pancreatic β cells of near term dairy calves

作者: Jenne De Koster , Mieke Van Eetvelde , Hannes Bogaert , Geert Opsomer

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摘要: Introduction In several species, the β cells of the pancreas are prone to the consequences of metabolic programming during fetal development. To date, it is not known if energy balance of pregnant lactating dairy cows may influence pancreatic β cell development of their calves. In the present preliminary study we aimed to identify which cow and calf factors influence pancreatic insulin content of near term dairy calves. Methods Eight HF cows were euthanized at 267 days of pregnancy. Calves were excised and euthanized using Release®. The pancreas of the calves was carefully dissected, weighed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Pieces of pancreas (100-200 mg in duplicate) were minced and weighed. Extraction was performed in ethanol acid at -20°C for 24 hours. Insulin concentration was determined in the supernatant using a bovine insulin ELISA (Mercodia). Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS. Results A large variation was observed for the relative (mean = 1601 μg/g; range: 468-2561) and absolute insulin content (mean = 32004 μg; range: 8433-56349) and the weight of the pancreas (mean = 20,25 g; range:14-28). None of the examined cow (DIM at conception, parity, 305d milk production and BCS at euthanasia) or calf factors (weight calf, gender, weight pancreas) were significantly associated with the absolute and relative insulin content of the pancreas. Conclusion The large variation of insulin content of the pancreas in these calves suggests alterations during fetal development. However, no significant influence could be detected for selected cow and calf parameters. More specific research is needed to assess the consequences …

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