OIL OR FLAXSEED FLOUR REDUCES PANCREATIC ISLET AREA BUT DOES NOT AFFECT SERUM INSULIN, AT WEANING, IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

The aim of the present study evaluated the influence of oil or flaxseed flour in pancreas morphology of pups, whose mothers were fed with oil or flaxseed flour during lactation, at weaning. After birth, the lactating rat males were randomly assigned: control (C, n=12 pups), flaxseed oil (FO, n=12 pups) and flaxseed flour (FF, n=12). At 21 days, the pups were weaning and anesthetized. Body mass, length, serum glucose, insulin, pancreas mass and pancreatic islet area were assessed. FO and FF showed higher (p<0.05) mass and length and lower glucose (p<0.05) when compared with C. Insulin (p=0.094) and pancreas mass (p=0.054) not differ between groups. FO and FF showed lower (p<0.05) pancreatic islet area when compared with C. A fed with FO or FF, during lactation may improve function pancreatic, as insulin sensitivity. These findings emphasize that oil or flaxseed flour during lactation may improve pancreatic function in early life.