Possibility of long-lasting amplification of insulin receptors by a single treatment at newborn age.

Administration of insulin to newborn rats was shown to amplify the hormone receptors. Blood sugar values in animals thus treated were lower in the adult age, which could be explained by increased sensitivity to endogenous insulin; the decrease of blood sugar in response to exogenous insulin was similar in magnitude, however, it occurred at a lower level compared to the controls. These changes were more marked in female than in male rats.