Effects of transient, corrected ovine maternal hypocalcaemia on neonatal endocrine and metabolic function

The neonatal changes in plasma levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, iodothyronines, cortisol, insulin, glucose, urea and representative parameters of lipid metabolism, were monitored in eight control lambs and 10 lambs born from hypocalcaemic mothers. Eight hours post partum, plasma total lipid, free fatty acids, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were higher in animals from hypocalcaemic mothers than in control lambs. Moreover, these lambs were clearly hyperthyroid during, at least, the first 48 hours of life. In lambs born from hypocalcaemic mothers, plasma insulin levels were depressed, despite normal glucose concentrations. Plasma cortisol levels were higher than in control lambs, suggesting an endocrine response to a prolonged stress. All these results showed that hypocalcaemia and related metabolic events occurring near the term of pregnancy in ewes could induce neonatal hyperthyroidism, hypoinsulinaemia and metabolic alterations in their offspring.