Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common endocrine condition affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age, is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and obesity. Obesity is associated with increased energy intake or reduced energy expenditure. In this context, postprandial thermogenesis (PPT), is an important constituent of energy expenditure.

Our lab utilizes a clinically realistic ovine model of PCOS, where pregnant Scottish Greyface ewes are treated biweekly with either 100 mg of testosterone propionate (TP) or vehicle control (C) from days 62 to 102 of gestation. We measured PPT in adult female offspring (C=11; TP=4) through implantation of datalogger thermometers into subcutaneous fat. Glucose tolerance tests were a second experimental readout.

Prenatally androgenized female sheep had normal birthweight and postnatal growth to adolescence. However, as adults (2.5 years old), TP-exposed animals had increased body weight (P