Effect of Acute Nonsurgical Stress on Fetal and Maternal Plasma Glucose, Glucagon and Insulin Concentration in Sheep

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nonsurgical stress on plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon in the ewe and fetus. Plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured before and after a 2 min period of verbal and physical startling of much greater magnitude than that to which the ewe is exposed during routine blood drawing. Studies were completed on 5 fed ewes, 5 fasted ewes and on 4 fetuses of fasted ewes. There were no significant differences after startling compared to the control values. Thus, there appears no need to allow the ewe a prolonged period (more than 1–2 weeks) to become accustomed to handling by humans before chronic metabolic studies involving serum glucose, insulin and glucagon are undertaken.