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Hepatic insulin extraction in human pregnancy
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Pregnancy increases pancreatic insulin secretion and plasma insulin levels. However, hepatic insulin extraction remains unchanged, indicating pancreatic hypersecretion as the cause of higher insulin levels during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic studies
- Reproductive physiology
Background:
- Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are common in late pregnancy.
- The role of hepatic insulin degradation in pregnancy-induced hyperinsulinemia is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pregnancy on hepatic insulin degradation.
- To determine whether hyperinsulinemia in pregnancy is due to increased insulin secretion or decreased hepatic extraction.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the molar C-peptide to Insulin (C/I) ratio in 20 women during late pregnancy and postpartum.
- Measured fasting plasma C-peptide and insulin concentrations under both conditions.
Main Results:
- Fasting plasma C-peptide and insulin concentrations were significantly higher in pregnancy.
- The C/I ratio showed no significant difference between pregnancy and postpartum (7.3 ± 0.07 vs. 7.4 ± 0.8).
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy does not alter hepatic insulin extraction.
- Peripheral hyperinsulinemia in pregnancy is primarily caused by increased pancreatic insulin secretion.