The endocrine pancreas during pregnancy and lactation in the rat.
The percentage of endocrine tissue in the whole pancreas, the volume density of the insulin producing beta-cells, the non-fasting plasma glucose level and the plasma insulin level were studied in pregnant rats and in puerperal lactating and non-lactating rats. During pregnancy there was a progressive rise in the percentage of endocrine tissue, in the volume density of the beta-cells and in the insulin level in peripheral blood. Plasma glucose levels declined during pregnancy. A lower plasma glucose level, a lower plasma insulin level, a lower percentage of endocrine tissue and a lower volume density of the beta-cells was found in lactating compared to non-lactating rats.
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D007774:Lactation; D009929:Organ Size; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D051381:Rats
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin