Metabolic Effects of Growth Hormone and Diethylstilbestrol in Lambs. III. Metabolic Effects of Des2

Abstract

Studies were conducted to measure specific metabolic effects of DES administration to lambs to allow comparison with the metabolic effects previously reported for GH. It was observed that DES had effects similar to those of GH, that is, increased plasma glucose, insulin and nitrogen retention, and decreased PUN. These observations support the hypothesis that DES stimulates an increase in GH secretion. These studies also suggest that the greatest part of the growth-promoting action of DES treatment in lambs may occur during the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. After that time continued DES treatment may result in a reduction of the stimulation of nitrogen retention seen during the first few weeks of treatment. These results suggest that it may be possible to achieve an even greater stimulation of gain with DES by an intermittent administration throughout the feeding period. Copyright © 1970. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1970 by American Society of Animal Science