Maternal glucose utilization rate

The steady-state maternal glucose utilization rate can be calculated for a normal maternal glucose concentration of 120 mg % from the rate at which glucose diffuses into the placental tissue at steady state. This is given by ... 

Under steady-state conditions the problem of glucose uptake in the tissue disappears, and the rate of metabolism is exactly the rate of utilization. No significant difference in the results was observed or expected when the fetal flow rate was changed since with steady-state conditions in the system there is no net transfer at the fetal surface. The utilization rate depends upon the steady-state maternal and fetal concentrations. This rate is constant for a considerable time. 

Sampling. For steady-state experiments, glucose was added continuously to the maternal reservoir. The placenta was weighed before being placed in the artificial uterus, the rate of utilization of glucose by the placenta was then estimated, and the rate of glucose added was set approximately to the estimated rate of utilization. 

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