Influence of trivalent chromium on the beta-cell function.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Toxicology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is an essential trace element with potential endocrine effects.
• Gestational exposure to environmental toxins can impact maternal and offspring metabolic health.
• The specific effects of Cr(III) on the maternal and neonatal endocrine pancreas are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gestational trivalent chromium exposure on glucose tolerance and insulin dynamics in pregnant rats and their offspring.
• To assess the effects of Cr(III) on pancreatic insulin content, secretion, and biosynthesis in both maternal and neonatal animals.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant rats were administered trivalent chromium (1 mg/day, p.o.) from day 1 of gestation for 50 days.
• Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were performed on adult animals.
• Serum insulin concentrations, pancreatic insulin content, and insulin secretion/biosynthesis from isolated islets were analyzed in mothers and neonates.

Main Results:

• Gestational trivalent chromium exposure did not affect adult glucose tolerance.
• A significant decrease in serum insulin levels was observed 30 minutes after glucose loading in adult rats.
• Basal serum insulin levels in neonates were diminished, while pancreatic insulin content increased in neonates and decreased in mothers.
• Insulin biosynthesis in neonatal islets was enhanced in the presence of elevated glucose concentrations.
• Insulin secretion from neonatal islets remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Gestational exposure to trivalent chromium influences insulin homeostasis in both mothers and offspring.
• Cr(III) appears to affect the endocrine pancreas, leading to altered insulin dynamics and biosynthesis in neonates.
• These findings highlight a potential role for trivalent chromium in modulating pancreatic function during development.