Gluconeogenesis in the ruminant fetus: evaluation of conflicting evidence from radiotracer and other experimental techniques
Prior, R.L.
Federation Proceedings 41(1): 117-122
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 7056395 Document Number: 185881
Conflicting evidence exists as to whether the gluconeogenetic process is active in the foetal lamb during late gestation. Evidence based on estimations of enzyme activity and substrate flux into glucose in vitro indicated that the capacity for gluconeogenesis existed in foetal liver. The conversion of [14C]lactate and [14C]alanine into glucose in the lamb foetus was demonstrated. Lactate and alanine accounted for 49 and 2.3% of the foetal glucose pool, respectively. Although gluconeogenesis can occur in the foetal lamb, alterations in net rates of umbilical uptake of glucose or lactate, foetal blood glucose concentrations, foetal or maternal glucose replacement rates, or maternal nutrition may alter the observed rates of foetal gluconeogenesis.