High fat programming induces glucose intolerance in weanling Wistar rats

We sought to determine whether maintenance on a high fat diet during defined periods of gestation and lactation induced glucose intolerance in weanling Wistar rats or affected food intake, weight, and glucose concentrations in mothers. Experimental groups comprised mothers and their weanling offspring maintained on a high fat diet during gestation and lactation (HFGL), during gestation only (HFG), or during lactation only (HFL). Maternal food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose concentrations were determined during lactation. Glucose tolerance was measured in the three-week-old weanling offspring. After overnight fasting, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in the weanlings. Glucose was collected at (0), 10, 15, 30 and 60 min. HFGL and HFL weanlings had greater glucose concentrations compared to control weanlings at 10, 15, 30 and 60 min. For HFG weanlings, greater glucose concentrations were only found at 30 min, which normalized at 60 min. In all of the experimental groups, the highest glucose concentrations were demonstrated at 30 min, whereas the peak was achieved at 15 min in the control weanlings. Overt glucose intolerance was induced in weanlings maintained on a high fat diet throughout both gestation and lactation or throughout lactation only. Further, weanlings maintained on a high fat diet solely throughout gestation displayed milder glucose intolerance. Developmental programming with a high fat diet during defined periods of gestation and lactation induces glucose intolerance in weanling rats.