Uncoupling protein expression in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in response to in vivo porcine somatotropin treatment

Authors: Ramsay, Timothy; Mitchell, Alva; Richards, Mark

Submitted to: International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2008
Publication Date: 11/14/2008
Citation: Ramsay, T.G., Mitchell, A.D., Richards, M.P. 2008. Uncoupling protein expression in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in response to in vivo porcine somatotropin treatment. International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology.

Interpretive Summary: The uncoupling proteins are thought to be involved in waste heat production, reducing the energy efficiency of growth in animals. Previous studies have detected their presence in swine and their regulation by the endocrine system. This study attempted to determine whether the uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 contribute to the increased heat production observed in somatropin treated swine. The data demonstrate that the uncoupling proteins are responsive to somatotropin treatment in finishing swine. Secondly, uncoupling protein response is highly tissue specific. Correlation analysis indicated a potential role for insulin like growth factor 1 in the regulation of the uncoupling proteins. These results suggest the possibility to manipulate the efficiency of growth in finishing animals by altering the expression of genes associated with heat production and metabolism at a time when changes in body composition can be critical for improving profitability.

Technical Abstract: The uncoupling proteins are thought to be involved in waste heat production, reducing the energy efficiency of growth in animals. Previous studies have detected their presence in swine and their regulation by the endocrine system. This study attempted to determine whether the uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 contribute to the increased heat production observed in somatropin treated swine. The data demonstrate that the uncoupling proteins are responsive to somatotropin treatment in finishing swine. Secondly, uncoupling protein response is highly tissue specific. Correlation analysis indicated a potential role for insulin like growth factor 1 in the regulation of the uncoupling proteins. These results suggest the possibility to manipulate the efficiency of growth in finishing animals by altering the expression of genes associated with heat production and metabolism at a time when changes in body composition can be critical for improving profitability.