Abstract: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) refers to the injury of development of embryos and organs characterized by retardation or stagnation of development of offspring during pregnancy of sow.Low or very low birth weight is the main characteristic of IUGR piglets.IUGR seriously affects the survival and later growth of newborn offsprings.The main causes of inducing IUGR include insufficient maternal nutrient intake,disease,environmental stress and abnormal uterine and placental functions during pregnancy.As multi-fetus domestic animals,pigs are most affected by IUGR,mainly because sows can't provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of normal growth and development of all fetuses in the uterine horn during pregnancy.The normal transport and metabolism of nutrients in placental tissue,the only organ connected between mother and fetus,is a key factor affecting the development of fetal pigs.Carbohydrate is the most important energy substrate in fetal pig development.Abnormal glucose transport and metabolism of placenta are crucial to the formation of IUGR.In the process of glucose metabolism,glucose,pentose phosphate and fructose can regulate intrauterine development of piglets through glucose transporters,placental trophoblastic cells and angiogenesis.In this review,the regulation effect of placental glucose metabolism on intrauterine growth retardation in sows was discussed,which would provide scientific significance to reduce the occurrence of IUGR and improve the growth and development of IUGR piglets.

Key words: pigs; placenta; glycometabolism; intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR); regulation