Persistent hypoglycemia induced by continuous insulin infusion in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Animal Physiology
• Endocrinology
• Avian Metabolism

Background:

• Understanding blood glucose regulation is crucial for avian health and productivity.
• Insulin plays a key role in glucose homeostasis, but its specific effects in chickens require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally induce persistent hypoglycemia in broiler chickens.
• To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of blood glucose concentrations in chickens.
• To assess the impact of continuous insulin infusion on glucose and other metabolic parameters.

Main Methods:

• Sustained in vivo insulin infusion using osmotic minipumps in 4-week-old broiler chickens.
• Doses ranged from 11.25 to 45 U/kg body weight per day for 5 days.
• Plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), protein, and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity were measured.

Main Results:

• Continuous insulin infusion at 22.5 U/kg BW/d induced persistent hypoglycemia, reducing plasma glucose by nearly 50% for at least 4 days.
• Higher insulin doses (up to 45 U/kg BW/d) led to mortality within 3-4 days.
• Insulin infusion did not significantly alter plasma NEFA or protein levels but transiently increased plasma GOT activity.

Conclusions:

• Continuous insulin infusion is an effective method to induce persistent hypoglycemia in broiler chickens.
• This model provides a valuable tool for studying glucose regulatory mechanisms in avian species.
• The study highlights the sensitivity of broiler chickens to exogenous insulin and potential dose-dependent risks.