DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE AND, INSULIN, GLUCAGON AND ADRENALINE RESPONSES DURING THE FIRST MONTH IN WHITE LEGHORN CHICKS

1. Alterations in glucose tolerance and, insulin, glucagon and adrenal ine responses in dexamethasone (DXM)-treated (induced hypocorticalism) chicks have been evaluated chronologically during the first month of development of White Leghorn chicks. 2. Alterations in glucose toleran ce and, insulin resistance and glucagon and adrenalin responses in dex amethasonised chicks were recorded. Control chicks too displayed diffe rential glucose tolerance and, insulin, glucagon and adrenaline respon ses on a chronological basis. 3. The observations suggest increased in sulin and adrenaline sensitivity in the first fortnight and gradually increasing glucagon response in the second fortnight in neonatal chick s. 4. Furthermore, increased insulin sensitivity and attenuated glucag on responsiveness was also associated with DXM-induced hypocorticalism .