Cardiac growth and metabolism of the fetal sheep are not vulnerable to a 10 day increase in fetal glucose and insulin concentrations during late gestation

AimsTo evaluate the effects of fetal glucose infusion in late gestation on mRNA expression and protein abundance molecules involved regulation cardiac growth metabolism.Main methodsEither saline or was infused into sheep from 130 to 140 days (d) (term, 150 d). At d gestation, left ventricle tissue samples were collected. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR Western blot used determine key signalling within heart.Key findingsAlthough intra-fetal increased plasma insulin concentrations, there no change pathways that regulate proliferation, hypertrophy, apoptosis fibrosis heart. Cardiac Solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) decreased by infusion. Glucose both Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARA) peroxisome gamma (PPARG). However, PPAR cofactors with response elements. Furthermore, did not impact 5 oxidative phosphorylation complexes electron transport chain.SignificanceDespite a 10-day doubling present study suggests ventricle, growth, development metabolism are relatively unaffected.