Effects of slaframine on circulating concentrations of growth hormone and glucose

The ability of slaframine (SF), a parasympathomimetic, to alter blood growth hormone (GH) and glucose concentrations in broiler chicks was investigated. Eighty male broiler chicks (average weight 225 g) were divided into 10 groups and dosed with either saline (control) or 1 mg SF/kg of body weight by oral intubation. Plasma samples were obtained from separate groups of chicks at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hr after SF administration and analyzed for growth hormone and glucose. One hour after SF administration, glucose increased (P less than .05) 21.4% compared with controls. Growth hormone increased (P less than .05) 449 to 948% from 8 to 12 hr after SF administration. Administration of SF at 1 mg/kg of body weight was associated with increased plasma GH.