The effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents, Ca2+ and insulin on 2-deoxyglucose uptake and phosphorylation in perfused rat heart

Akt mediates the cross-talk between beta-adrenergic and insulin receptors in neonatal cardiomyocytes

Upregulation of the sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Although the heart is a target organ of insulin, few studies have examined the mechanisms by which beta-adrenergic stimulation affects insulin sensitivity in cardiac muscle. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the cross-talk between beta adrenergic and insulin receptors in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and in transgenic mice with cardiac overexpression of a constitutively active mutant of Akt (E40K Tg). The results of this study show that beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation has a biphasic effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Short-term stimulation induces an additive effect on insulin-induced glucose uptake, and this effect is mediated by phosphorylation of Akt in threonine 308 through PKA/Ca2+-dependent and PI3K-independent pathway, whereas insulin-evoked threonine phosphorylation of Akt is exclusively PI3K-dependent. On the other hand, long-term stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors inhibits both insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and insulin-induced autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor, and at the same time promotes threonine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor. This is mediated by serine 473 phosphorylation of Akt through PKA/Ca2+ and PI3K-dependent pathways. Under basal conditions, E40K Tg mice show increased levels of threonine phosphorylation of the beta subunit of the insulin receptor and blunted tyrosine autophosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor after insulin stimulation. These results indicate that, in cardiomyocytes, beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation impairs insulin signaling transduction machinery through an Akt-dependent pathway, suggesting that Akt is critically involved in the regulation of insulin sensitivity.

The role of calcium in the regulation of glucose uptake in isolated working rat heart

Catecholamines or ischemia may increase myocardial glucose uptake by an increase in intracellular calcium. We tested the hypothesis that increasing or decreasing extracellular calcium supply would change glucose uptake. Hearts were perfused for 60 min at a physiological workload with Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing glucose (5 mM) and oleate (0.4 mM; bound to 1% BSA). Calcium concentration was 2.5 mM. In group A (control; n = 12), insulin (1 mU/ml) was added at 30 min. In Group B (n = 7), the calcium concentration was increased to 5.0 and 7.5 mM at 20 min and 40 min, respectively. In Group C (n = 7), verapamil was added at 20 min (0.25 microM) and 40 min (1.0 microM) to decrease calcium influx. In group D (n = 7), EDTA was added at 20 min (0.5 mM) and at 40 min (1.5 mM) to decrease the free extracellular calcium. Glucose uptake was measured by 3H2O production from [2-3H]glucose and cardiac work was measured simultaneously. Cardiac power in group B was 8.24 +/- 0.60 mW at 2.5 mM calcium, 9.45 +/- 0.50 mW at 5 mM calcium and 7.99 +/- 0.99 mW at 7.5 mM calcium (n.s.). The addition of verapamil decreased contractile function in a dose-dependent manner (8.50 +/- 0.74 vs. 3.11 +/- 0.84 vs. 1.48 +/- 0.39 mW, p < 0.01) suggesting that verapamil decreased cytosolic calcium concentration. A similar dose-dependent reduction in contractile performance was observed in the EDTA group (8.44 +/- 0.81 vs. 7.42 +/- 0.96 vs. 4.03 +/- 1.32 mW, p < 0.01). Glucose uptake was 1.35 +/- 0.11 micromol/min/g dry weight under control conditions. Glucose uptake increased threefold with the addition of insulin. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] did not affect glucose uptake. Decreasing Ca2+ availability showed a trend towards a decrease in glucose uptake (n.s.), which was minor compared to the decrease in contractile function. We conclude that extracellular calcium does not regulate glucose uptake in the isolated working rat heart in the presence of glucose and fatty acids as substrates. The trend of decreased glucose uptake when calcium supply was limited may be due to dramatically reduced energy demand and not directly due to changes in calcium.

Halothane and sevoflurane decrease norepinephrine-stimulated glucose transport in neonatal cardiomyocyte

Catecholamine regulates myocardial glucose use. However, the effect of inhaled anesthetics on myocardial glucose transport stimulated by catecholamine is unclear. We studied the effect of halothane and sevoflurane on uptake of 2-deoxyglucose stimulated by norepinephrine in neonatal cardiomyocytes and the mechanism that modulates glucose transport. We studied the effects of halothane and sevoflurane on norepinephrine (NE)-stimulated glucose uptake and the effects of halothane and sevoflurane on glucose uptake stimulated by W7 (a calcium releasing agent), phorbol 12 myristate-13-acetate (a protein kinase C agonist), and LiCl. Sevoflurane decreased NE-stimulated glucose uptake from 63.7 +/- 7.0 to 41.2 +/- 3.7 pmol h(-1) mg protein(-1), and halothane also attenuated NE-stimulated glucose uptake to 37.8 +/- 5.7 pmol h(-1) mg protein(-1). W7 at 10 micromol/L increased glucose uptake from 16.4 +/- 1.4 to 41.2 +/- 3. 4 pmol h(-1) mg protein(-1). The stimulation was inhibited in the presence of 0.8 mmol/L sevoflurane and 0.58 mmol/L halothane to 23.9 +/- 3.7 and 25.6 +/- 3.6 pmol h(-1) mg protein(-1), respectively. Halothane and sevoflurane did not significantly affect the glucose uptake stimulated by 1 nmol/L insulin, 10 micromol/L PMA, or 10 mmol/L LiCl. We conclude that halothane and sevoflurane decrease NE-stimulated glucose uptake through decrease in intracellular calcium in cardiomyocytes.

IMPLICATIONS

The effect of inhaled anesthetics on myocardial glucose uptake during administration of catecholamine is unclear. The myocardial glucose uptake is stimulated not only by catecholamine, but also by insulin, protein kinase C, and increase of intracellular calcium. We examined the effects of halothane and sevoflurane on glucose uptake.

Contribution of alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic stimulation to ischemia-induced glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 and GLUT1 translocation in the isolated perfused rat heart

The intracellular signaling mechanism of the ischemia-stimulated glucose transporter (GLUT) translocation in the heart is not yet characterized. It has been suggested that catecholamines released during ischemia may be involved in this pathway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of alpha-adrenoceptors and beta-adrenoceptors to ischemia-mediated GLUT4 and GLUT1 translocation in the isolated, Langendorff-perfused rat heart. Additionally, GLUT translocation was studied in response to catecholamine stimulation with phenylephrine (Phy) and isoproterenol (Iso). The results were compared with myocardial uptake of glucose analogue [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Subcellular analysis of GLUT4 and GLUT1 protein on plasma membrane vesicles (PM) and intracellular membrane vesicles (IM) using membrane preparation and immunoblotting revealed that alpha- and beta-receptor agonists stimulated GLUT4 translocation from IM to PM (2.5-fold for Phy and 2.1-fold for Iso, P<0.05 versus control), which was completely inhibited by phentolamine (Phe) and propranolol (Pro), respectively. Plasmalemmal GLUT1 moderately rose after Iso exposure, and this was prevented by Pro. In contrast, ischemia-stimulated GLUT4 translocation (2.2-fold, P<0.05 versus control) was only inhibited by alpha-adrenergic antagonist Phe but not by beta-adrenergic antagonist Pro. Similarly, Phe but not Pro inhibited ischemia-stimulated GLUT1 translocation. GLUT data were confirmed by FDG uptake monitored using bismuth germanate detectors. The catecholamine-stimulated FDG uptake (6.9-fold for Phy and 8.9-fold for Iso) was significantly inhibited by Phe and Pro; however, only Phe but not Pro significantly reduced the ischemia-induced 2.5-fold increase in FDG uptake (P<0.05 versus ischemia). This study suggests that alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation may play a role in the ischemia-mediated increase in glucose transporter trafficking leading to the stimulation of FDG uptake in the isolated, perfused rat heart, whereas beta-adrenergic activation does not participate in this signaling pathway.

N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin (MOR-14), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, markedly reduced infarct size in rabbit hearts

BACKGROUND

N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin (MOR-14), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, reduces the glycogenolytic rate by inhibiting the alpha-1,6-glucosidase of glycogen-debranching enzyme in the liver, in addition to possessing an antihyperglycemic action by blocking alpha-1,4-glucosidase in the intestine. Because the reduction of the glycogenolytic rate may be one of the mechanisms of myocardial protection in ischemic preconditioning, the compounds inhibiting myocardial alpha-1,6-glucosidase may be protective against ischemic damage. Thus, we investigated whether MOR-14 could inhibit alpha-1,6-glucosidase and reduce the infarct size in rabbit hearts without collateral circulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MOR-14 dose-dependently decreased the alpha-1,6-glucosidase activity in rabbit heart extract. A tracer study demonstrated the myocardial uptake of a considerable amount of MOR-14 sufficient to fully inhibit alpha-1,6-glucosidase. To assess the infarct size-reducing effect of MOR-14, 54 rabbits were subjected to 30-minute coronary occlusion followed by 48-hour reperfusion. Preischemic treatment with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of MOR-14 dose-dependently reduced the infarct size (to 26+/-4%, 19+/-3%, and 14+/-2% of the area at risk, respectively), compared with the saline control (45+/-5%) without altering the blood pressure or heart rate. Another 40 rabbits given 100 mg of MOR-14 or saline 10 minutes before ischemia were euthanized at 10 or 30 minutes of ischemia for biochemical analysis. MOR-14 decreased the alpha-1,6-glucosidase activity to approximately 20% in vivo, reduced the glycogen breakdown, and attenuated the lactate accumulation at both 10 and 30 minutes of ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Preischemic treatment with MOR-14 preserved glycogen, attenuated the accumulation of lactate, and reduced the myocardial infarct size by 69%. This cardioprotective effect was independent of changes of blood pressure and heart rate or regional blood flow. It may be associated with alpha-1,6-glucosidase inhibition, because MOR-14 markedly decreased the alpha-1,6-glucosidase activity in the heart.

Regulation of glucose transport, and glucose transporters expression and trafficking in the heart: studies in cardiac myocytes

Cardiac muscle is characterized by a high rate of glucose consumption. In the absence of insulin, glucose transport into cardiomyocytes limits the rate of glucose utilization and therefore it is important to understand the regulation of glucose transporters. Cardiac muscle cells express 2 distinct glucose transporters, GLUT4 and GLUT1; although GLUT4 is quantitatively the more important glucose transporter expressed in heart, GLUT1 is also expressed at a substantial level. In isolated rat cardiomyocytes, insulin acutely stimulates glucose transport and translocates both GLUT4 and GLUT1 from an intracellular site to the cell surface. Recent evidence indicates the existence of at least 2 distinct intracellular membrane populations enriched in GLUT4 with a different protein composition. Elucidation of the intracellular location of these 2 GLUT4 vesicle pools in cardiac myocytes, their role in GLUT4 trafficking, and their relation to insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation needs to be addressed.

Enhanced myocardial 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose uptake after orthotopic heart transplantation assessed by positron emission tomography

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the relation between glucose metabolism, myocardial perfusion and cardiac work after orthotopic heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND

The metabolic profile of the transplanted cardiac muscle is affected by the lack of sympathetic innervation, impaired inotropic function, chronic vasculopathy, allograft rejection and immunosuppressive therapy. In relation to myocardial perfusion and cardiac work, glucose metabolism has not previously been studied in heart transplant recipients.

METHODS

Regional myocardial blood flow (ml.min-1.g-1) and 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake rate (ml.s-1.g-1) were measured after an overnight fast in 9 healthy male volunteers (mean age +/- SD 32 +/- 7 years) and in 10 male patients (mean age 50 +/- 10 years) who had a nonrejecting heart transplant, normal left ventricular function and no angiographic evidence of epicardial coronary sclerosis. Measurements were made by using dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) with 15O-labeled water and 18FDG, respectively. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured for calculation of rate-pressure product.

RESULTS

18FDG uptake was similar in all heart regions in the patients and volunteers (intrasubject regional variably 12 +/- 8% and 16 +/- 12%, respectively, p = 0.51). Regional myocardial blood flow was similarly evenly distributed (intrasubject regional variability 14 +/- 10% and 12 +/- 8%, respectively, p = 0.67). Mean 18FDG uptake and myocardial blood flow values for the whole heart are given because no regional differences were identified. 18FDG uptake was on average 196% higher in the patients than in the volunteers (2.90 +/- 1.79 x 10(-4) vs. 0.98 +/- 0.38 x 10(-4) ml.s-1.g-1, p = 0.006). Regional myocardial blood flow and rate-pressure product were similarly increased in the patient group, but by only 41% (1.14 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.81 +/- 0.13 ml.min-1.g-1, p = 0.008) and 53% (11,740 +/- 2,830 vs. 7,689 +/- 1,488, p = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

18FDG uptake is homogeneously increased in normally functioning nonrejecting heart transplants. This finding suggests that glucose may be a preferred substrate in the transplanted heart. The magnitude of this observed increase is significantly greater than that observed for myocardial blood flow or cardiac work. In the patient group, the latter two variables were increased to a similar degree over values in control hearts, indicating a coupling between cardiac work load and myocardial blood flow. The disproportionate rise in 18FDG uptake may be accounted for by inefficient metabolic utilization of glucose by the transplanted myocardium or by the influence of circulating catecholamines, which may stimulate glucose uptake independently of changes in cardiac work load.

Signals mediating stimulation of cardiomyocyte glucose transport by the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine

Phenylephrine, a potent stimulator of cardiomyocyte glucose transport (GT), caused a rapid rise in cytosolic Ca2+ by 30%. Agents inducing a similar Ca2+ response did not stimulate (angiotension II, vasopressin) or inhibited GT by 20% (elevated extracellular Ca2+). Stimulation of GT by phorbol myristate acetate was additive to both phases of phenylephrine's effect (4 min, 60 min). Phenylephrine had no influence on the adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Agents raising cAMP (isoproterenol) or cGMP (e.g., nitroprusside) did not stimulate GT. Wortmannin (inhibitor of 1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) suppressed the action of insulin on GT but not that of phenylephrine. In contrast, the Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor amiloride (which blocks phenylephrine-induced cytosolic alkalinization or even lowers cellular pH) depressed the effect of phenylephrine by 50%, whereas insulin-stimulated GT was little affected. However, raising extracellular pH up to 8.4 failed to increase GT. Lowering pH to 6.8 decreased phenylephrine's effect by 40% whereas insulin-dependent GT was not significantly altered. Clorgyline, tranylcypromine (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), and added catalase suppressed the slow phase of phenylephrine's action, whereas amiloride also affected the fast phase. We conclude that 1) stimulation of cardiomyocyte GT by phenylephrine does not involve cAMP, cGMP, or 1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; 2) protein kinase C activation cannot explain the full extent of stimulation; 3) Ca2+ release or cytosolic alkalinization may be required but is not sufficient to trigger phenylephrine's action, and 4) the slow phase of stimulation is mediated by the monoamine oxidase-dependent degradation of phenylephrine and by the resulting H2O2 formation.

Contraction-independent effects of catecholamines on glucose transport in isolated rat cardiomyocytes

The effects of catecholamines on glucose transport were studied in noncontracting isolated rat cardiomyocytes. alpha-Adrenergic treatment (phenylephrine, or norepinephrine + propranolol) led to an approximately fourfold stimulation of glucose transport in basal cells (no insulin). The effect of phenylephrine was suppressed by the alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine or the beta-antagonist propranolol. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol partially counteracted the action of phenylephrine (but not that of insulin). Phenylephrine increased glucose transport in two phases with apparent half times of 3.2 and 13.0 min, respectively. Correspondingly, different EC50 values were found after 10 and 45 min on phenylephrine addition (5.0 +/- 1.9 vs. 31.6 +/- 9.6 microM, respectively). Maximal stimulation by phenylephrine was at least partially additive to that of insulin and of other stimulators of glucose transport (e.g., H2O2, vanadate, lithium). Phenylephrine significantly increased the level of cell surface glucose carriers GLUT-1 (1.54-fold) and GLUT-4 (1.78-fold), as assessed by using the specific photolabel 2-N-[4-(1-azi-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoyl]- 1,3-bis(D-mannos-4-yloxy)propyl-2-amine. In conclusion, catecholamines stimulate cardiomyocyte glucose transport through alpha 1-adrenergic receptors independently or downstream of a contraction-evoked stimulus. This effect is at least partially explained by a recruitment of glucose transporters to the cell surface. The mechanism(s) and/or signals involved differ from those triggered by insulin and insulinomimetic agents.

Experimental models, protocols, and reference values for evaluation of iodinated analogues of glucose

For an iodinated analogue of glucose to be useful for evaluating glucose uptake using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), it must enter the cell via the same transporter as glucose and accumulate within the cell without being degraded. The biological behavior of the iodinated tracer must therefore be similar to that of 2-deoxy-D(-)[1-14C]-glucose (2-DG). In the present study, four experimental models (biodistribution in mouse, isolated rat heart, human erythrocytes in suspension and cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes) have been chosen and protocols have been set up which allow for the examination of small quantities of iodinated analogues of glucose. The uptakes of 2-DG and of L(-)[1-14C]-glucose have been measured in these models to establish reference values which will be compared with uptake values for iodinated analogues of glucose.

Effect of left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to chronic pressure overload on transmural myocardial 2-deoxyglucose uptake. A 31P NMR spectroscopic study

BACKGROUND

This study tested the hypothesis that 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-detectable 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake is increased in chronically pressure-overloaded hypertrophied left ventricular myocardium.

METHODS AND RESULTS

31P NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the transmural distribution of high-energy phosphate levels and 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2DGP) accumulation during intracoronary infusion of 2DG (15 mumol.kg body wt-1.min-1) in eight normal dogs and in eight dogs with severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) produced by ascending aortic banding. The ratio of LV weight to body weight was 8.25 +/- 0.65 g/kg in the LVH group compared with 4.35 +/- 0.11 g/kg in the normal group (P < .01). Myocardial ATP content was decreased by approximately 40% and phosphocreatine (PCr) by approximately 60% in LVH hearts. ATP values were transmurally uniform in LVH and normal hearts, whereas PCr was lower in the subendocardium (Endo) than the subepicardium (Epi) of both groups. The PCr/ATP ratio was lower in LVH hearts (1.72 +/- 0.05, 1.64 +/- 0.07, and 1.53 +/- 0.10 in Epi, midwall, and Endo, respectively) compared with normal hearts (2.36 +/- 0.05, 2.09 +/- 0.06, and 1.96 +/- 0.06; each P < .01 normal versus LVH). Arterial blood levels of glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids were comparable between groups, whereas arterial lactate and norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the LVH group. 2DG infusion did not affect systemic hemodynamics or myocardial high-energy phosphate or inorganic phosphate levels in either group. At the end of 60 minutes of 2DG infusion, there was no detectable accumulation of 2DGP in the normal hearts. However, seven of the eight LVH hearts showed time-dependent accumulation of 2DGP, which was linearly related to the severity of hypertrophy (r = .90 for subendocardial 2DGP versus LV weight/body weight). A transmural gradient of 2DGP was present, with greatest accumulation in the subendocardium (3.3 +/- 1.6, 5.8 +/- 2.3, and 7.9 +/- 2.2 mumol/g in Epi, midwall, and Endo of the LVH hearts, respectively; P < .05 Epi versus Endo).

CONCLUSIONS

The pressure-overloaded hypertrophied left ventricle demonstrated increased accumulation of 2DGP detected with 31P NMR spectroscopy. Accumulation of 2DGP was positively correlated with the degree of hypertrophy and was most marked in the subendocardium.

Acute stimulation of glucose transport by histamine in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

The purpose of the present work was to study the acute regulation of glucose uptake in cultured cardiac endothelial cells (CEC). Two types of potential stimuli were considered: (1) agents that are known to acutely stimulate glucose transport (i.e., within minutes) in fat and muscle tissues and (2) agents that influence endothelial cell function. Among the former agents, neither insulin, nor catecholamines (adrenaline, dopamine, phenylephrine), nor serotonin affected the rate of glucose transport in CEC, while SH-group reagents (phenylarsine oxide, diamide or menadione) were inhibitory. Among the factors of the second group that were tested (heparin, ADP, histamine, bradykinin), histamine was found to stimulate glucose transport in CEC by 10-50%. This effect was concentration-dependent (with an EC50 value approximately equal to 12 microM) and reached a maximum within 5 min upon histamine addition. This stimulation of glucose transport was suppressed by pyrilamine (100 nM), a specific H1-receptor antagonist, but not by cimetidine (100 microM), a H2-selective antagonist. Northern blot and Western blot analysis of CEC extracts revealed the presence of the ubiquitous glucose transporter isoform GLUT1 mRNA and protein, but not of the 'insulin-regulatable' isoform GLUT4. In conclusion, this is the first report on an acute stimulation of glucose transport in cardiac endothelial cells, in particular, and in an insulin-unresponsive cell type, in general. The effect of histamine is most likely mediated by H1-receptors and cannot be accounted for by a recruitment of GLUT4.

Phenylarsine oxide and hydrogen peroxide stimulate glucose transport via different pathways in isolated cardiac myocytes

The aim of this study was to investigate the stimulating effects of sulfhydryl reagents on glucose transport in isolated rat heart muscle cells and to compare them with the action of insulin. Low concentrations of the sulfhydryl oxidants hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and diamide (5-100 microM), but also of phenylarsine oxide (PAO) (0.5-3 microM), that is known to specifically react with vicinal SH-groups, stimulated the rate of 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake by a factor of 4 to 8 in these cells, while higher concentrations were inhibitory. The stimulating effects of H2O2 or diamide, and, to a significantly lesser extent, those of PAO or insulin, were depressed in cells pretreated with the sulfhydryl-alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (56-100 microM). H2O2 raised the Vmax and lowered the Km of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake, while PAO or insulin solely increased Vmax. The increase in glucose transport caused by H2O2 was antagonized by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (1 microM) or by a membrane-permeant cyclic AMP analog, whereas the effects of PAO or insulin were not altered. The action of H2O2 was additive with the stimulation induced by the protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid (1 microM) or vanadate (6 mM), whereas the responses to PAO or insulin were reduced in the presence of these agents. Finally, H2O2 and PAO, but not insulin, acted additively with the protein kinase C ligand phorbol myristate acetate (0.8 microM) and with phospholipase C (0.03 units/ml). We conclude that, in cardiac myocytes, H2O2, on the one hand, and PAO (and possibly insulin), on the other hand, stimulate glucose transport via at least two distinct, SH-dependent pathways. These pathways, in turn, differ from a protein kinase C- and from a phospholipase C-mediated mechanism.

Insulin-like action of catecholamines and Ca2+ to stimulate glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation in perfused rat heart

The uptake of 2-deoxyglucose by perfused rat hearts was compared to the distribution of the insulin-regulatable glucose transporter (GLUT4) in membrane preparations from the same hearts. The hearts were treated with the alpha-adrenergic combination of epinephrine + propranolol, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, high (8 mM) Ca2+ concentrations, insulin and the alpha adrenergic combination or insulin alone. Epinephrine (1 microM) + propranolol (10 microM), isoproterenol (10 microM), high Ca2+, insulin (1 microM) + epinephrine (1 microM) + propranolol (10 microM) and insulin (1 microM) each led to an increase in 2-deoxyglucose uptake and a shift in the recovery of the GLUT4 from a high-speed pellet membrane fraction (putatively intracellular) to a low-speed pellet membrane fraction (putatively sarcolemmal). There were significant correlations (r = -0.673, P less than 0.001) between the stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose uptake and the loss of GLUT4 from the intracellular membrane fraction, or the increase in the sarcolemmal fraction. The data provide evidence that the GLUT4 is translocated by agents that stimulate glucose transport in heart, and therefore this mechanism is not restricted to insulin.

Comparison of adrenergic agonist and insulin effects on 3-O-methyl-D-glucose efflux and sarcolemmal cytochalasin B binding by perfused rat heart

1. alpha- and beta-Adrenergic agonists as well as insulin stimulate 3-O-methyl-D-glucose efflux by the perfused rat heart and increase D-glucose inhibitable cytochalasin B binding by isolated sarcolemma. 2. alpha- and beta-Agonists like insulin increase Vmax for 3-O-methyl-D-glucose efflux and increase Bmax for cytochalasin B binding. 3. The effects of alpha- and beta-agonists are totally Ca2+-dependent whilst those of insulin appear to be only partly Ca2+-dependent.