THIRD VENTRICLE GHRELIN INFUSION EFFECT ON THE METABOLIC PARAMETERS UNDER DIFFERENT ENERGY LEVELS IN DIETS

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine whether ghrelin affects the mean plasma concentrations ofmetabolic parameters such as thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), growth hormone (GH), insulin, glucagon,glucose, fatty acid and urea in the goats fed different energy content in diets. Sixteen goats were randomly dividedinto 4 groups. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were fed 100 % and animals in groups 3 and 4 were fed a 50 % energycontent in their diet for 20 days. After 20 days, animals in groups 1 and 3 received a daily infusion of 1 ug ghrelin,while groups 2 and 4 received a daily infusion of 2 ug galanin into their third ventricle for 5 days. Blood sampleswere collected daily from the jugular veins before infusions on day 4 until 4 days after the last infusions ofghrelin. Samples were assayed for plasma T3, T4, GH, insulin and glucagon concentrations by double-antibodyRIA. Glucose, fatty acid, and urea concentrations were also measured. Lower dietary energy intake and infusions of 1 and 2 ug ghrelin significantly (P