The influence of maternal protein deprivation on the developmental pattern of serum immunoreactive insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels

Abstract
The influence of maternal protein deprivation on body and brain growth and on serum immunoreactive insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels was examined in rats during development. The offspring of protein‐deprived mothers were significantly growth‐retarded postnatally and showed an altered developmental pattern of serum immunoreactive IGF‐1 levels. In contrast to control animals, between days 5 and 20 postnatally, a significant elevation in serum immunoreactive IGF‐1 levels which peaked at day 15 was found. However, in adult growth‐retarded rats a significant reduction in serum immunoreactive IGF‐1 levels was found. These findings suggested the preweaning period to be critical for the development of the mature somatomedin system.