Effect of fetal dexamethasone exposure on the development of adult insulin sensitivity in a rat model

Abstract

In a rat model, fetal exposure to dexamethasone was associated with decreased insulin signaling at the level of p85 binding to IRS-1, a proximal step in insulin signaling within the PI 3-kinase pathway. This effect did not appear to be enhanced by administration of insulin prior to sacrifice, nor was a sex-dependent differential effect noted.