Experimental Diabetes in Lactating Sheep: Effects of Alloxan on Plasma Insulin, Glucose, Glucose Kinetics and Milk Characteristics

Abstract

After intravenous administration of alloxan (50 mg kg-1 liveweight) to lactating ewes, there were triphasic changes in plasma glucose and insulin. Almost immediately, plasma insulin decreased and hyperglycaemia occurred, then, between c. 5-12 h, insulin increased and ewes became hypoglycaemic. Thereafter, insulin decreased and glucose increased from c. 20 h after alloxan and the diabetic state was established. Changes in glucose production and utilization correlated with changes in plasma glucose.