The sensitivity of sugar receptors--analysis in adult animals of influences exerted at neonatal age.

Rats treated once with glucosamine at neonatal age show a long-lasting decrease in blood sugar level, and a permanent increase in insulin level, as well as a decrease in body weight. Glucuronic acid and mannose give rise to similar significant changes which were quantitatively less than the changes seen following pre-treatment with glucosamine. Taken together with earlier experiments, it seems likely that receptors are "plastic" at neonatal age and may be influenced by substances resembling the hormone or inducer, but differing from these to some extent.