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Early postnatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and reduced insulin sensitivity in adult rats

Forouzan Sadeghimahalli1,2, Homeira Zardooz2, Ravieh Golchoobian3

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Endocrine Regulations
|November 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Early life stress in rats led to impaired glucose tolerance and increased insulin levels in adulthood, suggesting a risk for type 2 diabetes. This highlights the long-term metabolic consequences of early-life adversity.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Early life stress (ELS) impacts the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
  • ELS is linked to metabolic disorders, including pancreatic dysfunction.
  • The long-term effects of ELS on glucose and insulin regulation require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of early postnatal stress on corticosterone, glucose, and insulin levels in young adult rats.
  • To assess the impact of ELS on glucose tolerance in adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Two groups of rat pups were used: control and early stress (foot shock).
  • Plasma corticosterone, glucose, and insulin were measured at 2 weeks and 8-10 weeks of age.
  • Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) were conducted in young adult rats.

Main Results:

  • Early postnatal stress elevated corticosterone, insulin, and glucose levels in pups.
  • While these effects diminished by young adulthood, IPGTT revealed significantly higher plasma glucose and insulin levels in stressed rats.
  • This indicates impaired glucose tolerance in adult rats exposed to early life stress.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired IPGTT in rats with ELS suggests insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity.
  • Early life stress may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • ELS-induced metabolic changes warrant further research for preventative strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
HPA axisadultcorticosteroneinsulin sensitivitypsychological stress

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