[The effect of a protein-free diet on insulin and somatostatin secretion in rats]

We have used a model of experimental protein-energy malnutrition induced in weaned rats by administration of a protein free diet during 2 weeks. Some malnourished rats were then refed with a control diet for 4, 9 or 30 days. Control rats were fed for the same periods with the balanced control diet. Malnourished rats showed a loss in body weight of approximately 25%. After 30 days of refeeding, the animals gained weight reaching values higher than that of control rats. Insulin secreted by perifused pancreatic slices from malnourished rats, was impaired in first and second glucose-induced secretory phases. Basal secretion was also diminished in incubation of pancreatic slices. When malnourished rats were refed for 4 days, basal insulin secretion reached control values. Stimulated insulin secretion was normalized at 9 and 30 days of refeeding. Our result on somatostatin (SRIF) secretion in malnourished rats showed basal hypersecretion and diminished first and second glucose-induced secretory phases. During refeeding basal SRIF secretion was normalized from day 4. On the contrary stimulated secretion was significantly increased at 4 and 9 days of refeeding, and on day 30 values did not differ from controls. In protein energy malnutrition, the disturbed hormonal state can represent adaptative mechanisms to the protein depletion and hormonal changes have also an essential role in refeeding.