Changes in the plasma concentration of gastric inhibitory polypeptide and other metabolites in response to feeding in sheep

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plasma concentrations of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)-like activity were determined in sheep before and after refeeding following a 48-h fast. Plasma concentrations increased significantly after feeding, from about 250 pg/ml to about 550 pg/ml. Other metabolites in plasma also increased at this time, reflecting the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. Significant increases were observed in the plasma concentrations of acetate, β-hydroxybutyrate and triacylglycerol. By comparing the time-courses of the changes in concentration of GIP and other metabolites in plasma, possible sites of secretion and secretagogues of GIP in ruminant animals are proposed. The results demonstrate that GIP is secreted in response to nutrient absorption in adult ruminants and that, as in simple-stomached animals, the absorption of long-chain free fatty acids plays an important role in this secretion. Journal of Endocrinology (1992) 134, 235–240