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Glucagon and insulin secretion in low birthweight preterm infants. The effect of glucose infusion
S Grasso1, F Fallucca, M G Romeo
1Institute of Pathology, University of Catania, Italy.
Insights
Intravenous glucose administration effectively suppresses plasma glucagon levels and stimulates insulin release in low birthweight preterm infants. This study highlights glucose
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Studies
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) preterm infants often exhibit altered metabolic responses.
- Understanding hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism is crucial for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intravenous glucose infusion on plasma glucagon and insulin levels in LBW preterm infants.
- To assess the hormonal responses to both short-term and continuous glucose administration.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 35 LBW preterm infants appropriate for gestational age.
- Administered a 30-minute intravenous glucose infusion (1 g/kg) to 16 infants.
- Monitored plasma glucagon and insulin levels over time.
- Observed 12 infants receiving continuous intravenous glucose (2.4-2.7 mg/kg/min) for 24 hours.
Main Results:
- A 30-minute glucose infusion led to prompt glucagon suppression and delayed insulin release.
- Continuous glucose infusion resulted in significant glucagon reduction and variable insulin release over 24 hours.
- Maximal plasma glucagon decrements were substantial in both infusion protocols.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous glucose administration effectively suppresses glucagon and stimulates insulin in LBW preterm infants.
- These findings provide insights into glucose homeostasis in this vulnerable population.
- Hormonal responses suggest a potential for therapeutic glucose management strategies.
Abstract:
The effect of the intravenous glucose on plasma levels of glucagon and insulin were evaluated in thirty-five LBW preterm infants who were appropriate for gestational age. Their mean birthweight and gestational age were 1220 +/- 55 g (range 750-1730 g) and 29 +/- 1 weeks (range 25-35 weeks), respectively. A 30 min glucose infusion in 16 infants (1 g/kg b.w. in 30 min) caused a prompt and sustained suppression of plasma glucagon and a delayed but significant insulin release. The mean of the sum of maximal plasma glucagon decrements below the baseline was 173 +/- 42 pg/ml. In another 12 infants a significant fall in plasma glucagon and a variable but significant plasma insulin release also occurred throughout the 24 h study on continuous intravenous glucose (rate 2.4-2.7 mg/kg/min). The mean of the sum of maximal plasma glucagon decrements below the baseline up to 12 h was 282 +/- 36 and was similar to that seen in the previous group.