Skeletal muscle protein accretion rates and hindlimb growth are reduced in late gestation intrauterine growth‐restricted fetal sheep

摘要

Key points class="unordered" style="list-style-type:disc" id="tjp12633-list-0001">Adults who were affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) suffer from reductions in muscle mass, which may contribute to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.We demonstrate slower hindlimb linear growth and muscle protein synthesis rates that match the reduced hindlimb blood flow and oxygen consumption rates in IUGR fetal sheep. These adaptations resulted in hindlimb blood flow rates in IUGR that were similar to control fetuses on a weight‐specific basis.Net hindlimb glucose uptake and lactate output rates were similar between groups, whereas amino acid uptake was significantly lower in IUGR fetal sheep.Among all fetuses, blood O2 saturation and plasma glucose, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 were positively associated and norepinephrine was negatively associated with hindlimb weight.These results further our understanding of the metabolic and hormonal adaptations to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply with placental insufficiency that develop to slow hindlimb growth and muscle protein accretion.