Hormonal and Metabolic Status of Male Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Model Induced by Interruption of Breastfeeding in the Early Postnatal Period

Abstract

A short-term deprivation of rat pups from breastfeeding in the early postnatal period leads to MS at the age of 4-6 months. However, this neonatal MS model requires optimization and a detailed study into the metabolic and hormonal parameters of adult animals. The aim of the work was to study these parameters in adult male rats deprived of breast milk at the age of 19-21 days, which was achieved by treating lactating females with bromocriptine. Adult male rats showed an increased body weight and adipose tissue, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and hyperleptinemia. These animals had reduced levels of testosterone, free thyroxine, and total triiodothyronine, with an increase in the thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thus, a short-term deprivation of breastfeeding in adult rats leads to the development of MS and endocrine dysregulations.