Effects of Ovine Growth Hormone and Prolactin on Blood Glucose, Serum Insulin, Plasma Nonesterified Fatty Acids and Amino Nitrogen in Sheep

Abstract

Ovine growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (LtH) each were injected (1 mg/kg) into 7 yearling castrate male sheep. Blood samples obtained by jugular venipuncture were analyzed for blood glucose, insulin concentrations in both whole sera and acidethanol extracts, plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and plasma amino nitrogen. Neither GH nor LtH produced changes in blood glucose or in whole serum insulin or acidethanol extracted insulin. GH caused a significant elevation in plasma NEFA and depression in plasma amino nitrogen; prolactin did not affect either parameter. It is concluded that in the sheep, at a dose level sufficient to produce significant anabolic effects, a homologous GH preparation does not cause endogenous insulin release, either by an indirect hyperglycemia or by a direct effect on the pancreas. (Endocrinology76: 1109, 1965)