The metabolic response to the first fast experienced by all mammals has been studied in the newborn rat. Levels of fuels and hormones have been compared in the fetal and maternal circulations at term. Then, after cesarean section just before the normal time of birth, sequential changes in the same parameters were quantified during the first 16 h of the neonatal period. No caloric intake was permitted, and the newborns were maintained at 37°C. Activities of three key hepatic enzymes involved in glucose production were estimated.
J. R. Girard, G. S. Cuendet, E. B. Marliss, A. Kervran, M. Rieutort, R. Assan
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