A model of postprandial hyperinsulinemia in miniature swine

This report describes a new animal model of postprandial hyperinsulinemia (PPH) in adult miniature swine that consume a diet simulating that of affluent Western societies. Two progressive levels of PPH were induced experimentally by injecting subcutaneously low and high doses of purified porcine insulin without causing acute detrimental clinical effects or significant biological effects on total serum cholesterol, sodium and potassium concentrations, mean arterial blood pressure, or heart rate. Physiologic postprandial increments in total serum triglyceride concentrations were inhibited by experimentally-induced PPH. With this model, the in vivo effects of homologous PPH can be studied in a dose-responsive manner. Areas of potential research use of this model include study of the chronic effects of PPH on lipoprotein metabolism, the development of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, and the association with regional body fat distribution and metabolism.