[Stimulation of insulin secretion by medium-chain fatty acids in the diet of young rabbits]

In the young rabbit, immunoreactive serum insulin (IRI) significantly rises during the first 5 min after suckling and then 20-60 min later, at which time the maximum level is reached. Blood glucose levels remain stable, blood ketone bodies increase 2.7 times and the liver glycogen levels decrease. Replacement of maternal milk by an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl, 2% lactose or 3.5% glycerol does not induce any change in IRI. IRI significantly rises if solutions of bovine milk proteins or skimmed rabbit's milk are administered. This effect is quickened and strengthened by the addition of coconut oil or lipids of rabbit's milk whereas sunflower oil is ineffective. It is suggested that medium-chain fatty acids, major components of rabbit's milk lipids, play an important role in the regulation of insulin secretion in the young rabbit.