Maternal food restriction during gestation elevates insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 in adult male rat offspring

Low birth weight due to maternal malnutrition is associated with increased risk of developing diseases in adulthood, for example, cardiovascular disease. Postnatal oxytocin treatment has previously been shown to have positive effects on blood pressure and corticosterone levels in adult offspring from malnourished dams. The aims of this study were to investigate if maternal food restriction during gestation alters plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), glucose, and insulin in adult male rat offspring, and if postnatal oxytocin treatment has any effect on those changes. Adult offspring from food-restricted mothers had increased levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 compared with ad libitum–fed offspring. Postnatal oxytocin treatment had no effect on the IGF system in adulthood. In conclusion, maternal malnutrition during gestation altered the IGF system in adult rat offspring.