THE EFFECT ON CORD BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS OF THE INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF FRUCTOSE TO THE MOTHER

Asymmetric syncytial expression of GLUT9 splice variants in human term placenta and alterations in diabetic pregnancies

Glucose transport from the maternal to fetal side of the placenta is critical for fetal growth and development due to the absence of fetal gluconeogenesis. Human GLUT9, existing as 2 isoforms, is a novel member of the transporter family. This study investigated the localization and relative expression levels of these isoforms in the human term placenta from both control and diabetic patients. Placenta samples were collected from normal pregnancies and those complicated by maternal diabetes (White classifications A1, A2, and B). Antibodies specific for the different isoforms were used to detect expression. Both forms of the protein are expressed in syncytiotrophoblast cells. Subcellular fractionation revealed an asymmetrical expression pattern with GLUT9a on basal membranes, whereas GLUT9b localizes to microvillus membranes. Expression of both isoforms is significantly increased in placental tissue from diabetic pregnancies. Altered expression of GLUT9 in the placenta may play a role in the fetal pathophysiology associated with diabetes-complicated pregnancies.

The effect of fructose infusions in the course of labor upon parturient and fetus

Fructose infusions were administered to parturients with healthy term fetuses at a speed of 1 g/min for 106 on the average. The results confirm that fructose has the expected properties. The blood glucose and FFA levels show that a substantial part of the infused fructose is indeed stored and that only a small portion is used to cover immediate energy needs. This positive result is predominant by a considerable degree of acidosis arising in the parturient in spite of the fact that fructose was infused at a slower rate than in the majority of papers published so far. Since the fructose infusions were intended for premature fetuses, which already have an increased tendency toward acidosis, the results confirm the unsuitability of such a treatment.