The aim of this study was to investigate glucose, insulin and calcium metabolism during the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) in pregnant or nonpregnant ewes. Eight pregnant (PG) and nonpregnant (NPG) ewes per group received a glucose endovenosus bolus containning 500mg/kg in one minute. Blood samples were collected on -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes interval (0 min - injection). These samples were used to evaluate glucose, calcium, insulin concentration, as well as insulin and glucose metabolization rate, which were determined by calculating the Area Under the Curve (AUC). The calcium, glucose and insulin concentrations were not different between groups. However, the three last glucose ASCs were higher in the pregnant group and in this group calcium and insulin blood concentrations were negatively correlated .These results showed lower glucose tolerance in pregnant ewes and suggest a link between insulin and calcium in the late pregnancy.
ewe; glucose tolerance test; insulin; pregnancy
