| Abstrakt: |
Biochemical changes in the placenta were studied using alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in the female rat. In comparison with a control group ( n = 13) the placentas of the diabetic animals ( n = 12) had significantly higher glucose, glycogen and protein levels. It was, however, shown that this supply of substrate was inadequately utilised for energy, as ATP/ADP quotient was lower and the ADP content was significantly higher. Metabolism still appeared to take place under aerobic conditions, as evidenced by the unchanged lactate levels. In terms of the protein content of the placentas, the activity of the enzymes we investigated (GOT, GPT, LDH, G-6-PDH, MDH, ICDH) was lowered by 25-44%. These results support the idea of global placental insufficiency in diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
