Evaluation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose for induction of a stress response in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective route and dose for 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) administration in swine, kinetics of 2DG, endogenous glucose concentration in the blood, effects of 2DG on cortisol concentration, and effects of 2DG administration in vivo on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. ANIMALS: 14 Salmonella-free male and female mixed-breed pigs. PROCEDURE: A cannula was inserted in the femoral artery of each pig to allow for frequent blood collection with minimal external stress. The concentration and duration of 2DG in the blood was monitored while varying dose (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg of body weight) and route (IV, SC, IM, or IP) of 2DG administration. Blood samples were collected at various time points and assayed for lymphocyte response to concanavalin A and cortisol, endogenous glucose, and 2DG concentrations. RESULTS: The 2 best routes for administration of 2DG were IV and SC. If the IV route was chosen, the optimal dose was 500 mg of 2DG/kg; the optimal dose for SC administration was 750 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: 2DG induces a stress response in pigs similar to that in rodents. The use of 2DG in a porcine stress model should be effective for studying the possible role of stress in the pathogenesis and shedding of microorganisms.