The effect of triamcinolone acetonide on plasma glucose and ketone concentration and on the total entry rate of glucose in twin pregnant hypoglycaemic ketotic sheep.

Hypoglycaemic ketosis clinically resembling pregnancy toxaemia was induced by starvation in Clun Forest sheep pregnant with twins. Total glucose entry was measured by the continuous infusion of trace amounts of (2-3H) glucose before and after the induction of ketosis and 24 h after the intramuscular injection of the ketotic sheep with triamcinolone acetonide (0.5 mg/kg). The concentration of glucose in plasma fell significantly after the induction of ketosis and rose significantly after the injection of steroid. The total entry rate of glucose fell significantly after the induction of ketosis and rose, but no significantly, after steroid injection. It is suggested that the dose of steroid which was used may inhibit glucose utilisation by peripheral tissues. The induction of ketosis significantly reduced the duration of pregnancy but the steroid injection did not produce a significant additional effect.