Effects of clenbuterol on insulin and glucose sensitivity in pigs after subacute treatment with a growth - promoting dose

摘要

Clenbuterol (4-amino-alpha-[t-butylaminomethyl]-3,5- dichlorobenzyl alcohol) is a synthetic selective beta_2-andrenergic agonist (BAA), widely used as bronchodilators in veterinary and human medicine. When administered in 5- to 10-fold therapeutic dosages, clenbuterol has marked growth promoting effects in slaughter animals , reduces body fat and promotes muscle growth, thus being often called a repartitioner. The possible adverse effects on animal welfare and on consumer health of the meat originating from treated animals have in many countries led to total ban on the use of clenbuterol for fattening purposes. Previous reports have shown that the administration of clenbuterol influences the hormonal and metabolic state of pigs, which is accompanied by changes in some plasma and serum biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to determine whether subacute exposure of female pigs to a growth promoting dose of clenbuterol has any effect on their insulin and glucose sensitivity.