Abstract
Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus, classified by WHO in 1985, is attracting attention in addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.We studied the effects of low-protein feeding on pancreatic endocrine function. Female Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups, 1 fed regular chow (C-1, Prot.25%) and the other a low-protein diet (P-1, Prot.19.5%).These rats had neonates (C-1-1, P-1-1) after 12 weeks. Adults and neonates were sacrificed immediately after birth, and blood glucose and serum insulin were determined. The pancreas head of adults and the total pancreas of neonates were used for insulin and glucagon assay. Half of the neonates (C-1-1, P-1-1) were fed and the same procedures done (C-2, P-2, C-2-1, P-2-1).
Body weight and tissue content IRI of those fed with low-protein diet (P-1, P-2, P-1-1, P-2-1) were lower than that of controls, but not significant. The tissue content of IRI of P-2-1 was significantly lower than that of P-1-1. These results suggest that a long-term low-protein diet probably decreases pancreatic endocrine function in neonates and may cause future glucose intolerance.
