GALACTOSE ALIMENTATION IN THE PUP OF A DIABETIC MOTHER:

Galactose(GAL) may regulate neonatal carbohydrate assimilation and may not stimulate insulin(INS) secretion. GAL may therefore stabilize glucose(GLU) metabolism in the IDM. Pups born to INS dependent diabetic dogs or controls were fed 0.6g/kg of GAL or GLU (N=5). During fasting IDM pups had equivalent blood GLU levels and systemic GLU appearance rates(Ra), but had elevated INS (7.4±0.3 vs 2.5±0.3 uU/ml, p=0.01) compared to control pups. After GAL feeding to IDM pups, blood GAL increased and peaked to 1 mM at 30 min. The glycemic response in IDM pups was similar after GLU or GAL feeding. Plasma INS increased minimally in the IDM pup after GAL feedings. In contrast, INS increased 2.5 fold after GLU. Ra of GLU in IDM pups after GAL feeding peaked at 30 min. and was lower than after enteric GLU at 30 min. (81.9±6.2 vs 106.2±8.6 μmol/kg/min, p=0.01). Ra after enteric GLU peaked at 60 min. and again was higher (118.2±10.5 vs 67.7±6.7, p=0.01). Hepatic glycogen content increased in the IDM fed GAL compared to fasted controls (634±27 vs 485±27 μmol/g, p=0.01) while GLU feeding had little effect. GAL and GLU feeding had no effect on glycogen synthase activity but the active component of phosphorylase decreased in both IDM groups compared to fasted controls. In summary, enteric GAL alimentation in IDM dogs results in lower INS levels with comparable glycemic responses compared to GLU feeding, attenuates Ra and enhances net glycogen content. In the presence of fasting hyperinsulinemia, GAL alimentation may stabilize GLU metabolism without excessive INS secretion.