Increased insulin sensitivity and decreased body weight in female rats after postnatal corticosterone exposure

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoids are important for normal brain development. Elevation or removal of these hormones can permanently modify the structure and function of the fetal brain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of postnatal corticosterone exposure of female pups on metabolic, endocrine and anthropometric variables in adulthood. DESIGN: Female pups were given subcutaneous injections of corticosterone (5 mg/kg, CORT) or vehicle 3 and 5 days after birth. RESULTS: From 6 weeks of age, the CORT rats weighed significantly less than did controls, with diminished fat depots, decreased serum levels of leptin and reduced food intake. Adult CORT rats showed increased insulin sensitivity, measured by hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp (5 mU/kg/min), as compared with controls. CORT rats had lower basal corticosterone levels and lower corticosterone levels 15 and 90 min after exposure to stress. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that postnatal exposure to corticosterone leads to increased insulin sensitivity, low body weight with diminished fat depots, leptin and food intake. This suggests that postnatal exposure to corticosterone induces specific programming, with consequences in adult life.