What is it about?

The hormones "insulin-like growth factor 1" (IGF-1) and insulin are both critical for normal fetal growth. Experimentally increased IGF-1 increases fetal size, but decreases fetal insulin levels. In this study it was found that experimentally increased IGF-1 reduced the amount of fetal insulin released by the pancreas in response to glucose. This decrease was the result of less fractional release of insulin from islets, rather than less insulin within the islets.

Why is this important?

Certain maternal conditions cause fetal growth to be accelerated or slowed, and these conditions can also impair pancreas development and affect function for life. Now we know how IGF-1 may be playing a role.

Read the paper at the American Journal of Physiology or find it on Pubmed.