[Studies on mechanism of wasting syndrome in TCDD-intoxicated rats]

In order to examine a relevance of glucose metabolism and thyroid function in TCDD-induced wasting syndrome, an insulin sensitivity assessment with chemical analysis of blood plasma were carried out in male Wistar rats exposed orally to TCDD. Laboratory findings in plasma showed elevation of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and lipid peroxide value, decrease in thyroxine (T4) with increase in triiodothyronine (T3) value, and slight but significant decrease in fasting blood glucose and basal insulin level. The glucose disposal rate in euglycemic insulin clamp test was significantly elevated. These data suggest that TCDD-induced wasting syndrome might relate to the disturbance of glucose metabolism of the main organ through insufficiency of caloric intake, T4 and insulin.