Islet adaptations in fetal sheep persist following chronic exposure to high norepinephrine

What is it about?

Complication in pregnancy produce fetal stress that elevate stress hormones like noradrenaline. We show for the first time that high noradrenaline concentrations produce persistent adaptations in fetal islets. Stress-induced islet adaptations produce a compensatory enhancement in insulin secretion responsiveness to glucose and arginine and also lower their responsiveness to noradrenaline. These adaptations are anticipated to be detrimental and increase their short- and long-term risk from metabolic complications.

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Why is it important?

Chronic exposure to high catecholamines creates a programming effect that persists for days in islets.

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