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Horm Metab Res 1978; 10(3): 195-199
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093433
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Glycogen Metabolism in the Placenta of Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats[*]

A.  Abramovici1 , J.  Sporn1 , R.  Prager2 , A.  Shaltiel1 , Z.  Laron2** , E.  Liban1
  • 1Laboratory of Developmental Pathology, J. Casper Department of Pathology, Beilinson Medical Center, Petach Tikva and Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
  • 2Institute of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Beilinson Medical Center, Petach Tikva and Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Administration of STZ prior to mating, induced significant impairment in glycogen metabolism in term rat placentae. Glycogen retention was observed in the treated placentae, while glycogen synthetase activity was reduced. The glycogenolytic pathway seemed to proceed mainly through amyloglucosidase enzyme whose activity increased threefold. Glucose-6-phosphatase showed a moderate activation, mainly in the labyrinth zone, while Phosphorylase was slightly inhibited. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in placental insulin levels. The possible defensive role played by the placenta in cases of maternal hyperglycemia was postulated.

Key words

Streptozotocin - Placenta - Glucose - Glycogenesis - Glycogenolysis - Experimental Diabetes - Rats - Insulin

1 This research was supported by a grant from the Chief Scientist Office, Ministry of Health, Government of Israel.

1 This research was supported by a grant from the Chief Scientist Office, Ministry of Health, Government of Israel.

2 Established Investigator of the Chief Scientist Office, Ministry of Health, Israel.

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