Muscle Response to Insulin in Fetuses of Diabetic Pregnant Rats

Increased hexokinase activity in fetuses of rats developed under maternal hyperglycemia.

“…This excessive body weight is due to increased deposition of fat and glycogen resulting from increased glucose utilization (Pedersen 1977). Previously, we also reported that the incroporation of radiolabeled glucose into diaphragmatic glycogen was greater in the fetuses of diabetic mothers than in normal fetuses (Wako and Kimura 1984). Thus, it is implied that hexokinase activities are elevated and cause enhancement of glucose anabolism in the fetuses developed under hyperglycemia.…”

“…Consequently insulin appears to be a necessary factor for the level of Type II hexokinase increase. Previously we indicated that the increase of serum insulin concentration in the fetus of diabetic mothers (Wako and Kimura 1984). Thus it may be considered that hyperinsulism contributed to the elevation of hepatic and diaphragmatic Type II hexokinase in the fetus developed under hyperglycemia.…”

“…Previously, to elucidate the metabolic control of glucose utilization in the fetus, we compared the diaphragmatic glucose uptake between fetuses of diabetic pregnant rats and normal fetuses (Wako and Kimura 1984). The fetuses of diabetic pregnant rats were loaded with hyperglycemia since maternal glucose in the circulation crosses the plancenta freely.…”