Hexose Transport in Isolated Brown Fat Cells

Potential Cytoprotective and Regulatory Effects of Ergothioneine on Gene Expression of Proteins Involved in Erythroid Adaptation Mechanisms and Redox Pathways in K562 Cells

This study aimed to establish the importance of ergothioneine (ERT) in the erythroid adaptation mechanisms by appraising the expression levels of redox-related genes associated with the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3 and Nrf2-ARE pathways using K562 cells induced to erythroid differentiation and H₂O₂-oxidative stress. Cell viability and gene expression were evaluated. Two concentrations of ERT were assessed, 1 nM (C1) and 100 µM (C2), with and without stress induction (100 µM H₂O₂). Assessments were made in three periods of the cellular differentiation process (D0, D2, and D4). The C1 treatment promoted the induction of FOXO3 (D0 and 2), PSMB5, and 6 expressions (D4); C1 + H₂O₂ treatment showed the highest levels of NRF2 transcripts, KEAP1 (D0), YWHAQ (D2 and 4), PSMB5 (D2) and PSMB6 (D4); and C2 + H₂O₂ (D2) an increase in FOXO3 and MST1 expression, with a decrease of YWHAQ and NRF2 was observed. in C2 + H₂O₂ (D2) an increase in FOXO3 and MST1, with a decrease in YWHAQ and NRF2 was observed All ERT treatments increased gamma-globin expression. Statistical multivariate analyzes highlighted that the Nrf2-ARE pathway presented a greater contribution in the production of PRDX1, SOD1, CAT, and PSBM5 mRNAs, whereas the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3 pathway was associated with the PRDX2 and TRX transcripts. In conclusion, ERT presented a cytoprotective action through Nrf2 and FoxO3, with the latter seeming to contribute to erythroid proliferation/differentiation.

Imbalanced insulin action in chronic over nutrition: Clinical harm, molecular mechanisms, and a way forward

The growing worldwide prevalence of overnutrition and underexertion threatens the gains that we have made against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other maladies. Chronic overnutrition causes the atherometabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of seemingly unrelated health problems characterized by increased abdominal girth and body-mass index, high fasting and postprandial concentrations of cholesterol- and triglyceride-rich apoB-lipoproteins (C-TRLs), low plasma HDL levels, impaired regulation of plasma glucose concentrations, hypertension, and a significant risk of developing overt type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, individuals with this syndrome exhibit fatty liver, hypercoagulability, sympathetic overactivity, a gradually rising set-point for body adiposity, a substantially increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and--crucially--hyperinsulinemia. Many lines of evidence indicate that each component of the atherometabolic syndrome arises, or is worsened by, pathway-selective insulin resistance and responsiveness (SEIRR). Individuals with SEIRR require compensatory hyperinsulinemia to control plasma glucose levels. The result is overdrive of those pathways that remain insulin-responsive, particularly ERK activation and hepatic de-novo lipogenesis (DNL), while carbohydrate regulation deteriorates. The effects are easily summarized: if hyperinsulinemia does something bad in a tissue or organ, that effect remains responsive in the atherometabolic syndrome and T2DM; and if hyperinsulinemia might do something good, that effect becomes resistant. It is a deadly imbalance in insulin action. From the standpoint of human health, it is the worst possible combination of effects. In this review, we discuss the origins of the atherometabolic syndrome in our historically unprecedented environment that only recently has become full of poorly satiating calories and incessant enticements to sit. Data are examined that indicate the magnitude of daily caloric imbalance that causes obesity. We also cover key aspects of healthy, balanced insulin action in liver, endothelium, brain, and elsewhere. Recent insights into the molecular basis and pathophysiologic harm from SEIRR in these organs are discussed. Importantly, a newly discovered oxide transport chain functions as the master regulator of the balance amongst different limbs of the insulin signaling cascade. This oxide transport chain--abbreviated 'NSAPP' after its five major proteins--fails to function properly during chronic overnutrition, resulting in this harmful pattern of SEIRR. We also review the origins of widespread, chronic overnutrition. Despite its apparent complexity, one factor stands out. A sophisticated junk food industry, aided by subsidies from willing governments, has devoted years of careful effort to promote overeating through the creation of a new class of food and drink that is low- or no-cost to the consumer, convenient, savory, calorically dense, yet weakly satiating. It is past time for the rest of us to overcome these foes of good health and solve this man-made epidemic.

Interference of selenium and selenoproteins with the insulin-regulated carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

An assumed link between supranutritional intake of the micronutrient selenium (Se) and type 2 diabetes mellitus is discussed controversially. Se concentrations in the habitual diet and in dietary supplements are probably not sufficient to induce overt diabetes in healthy individuals. On the other hand, high plasma Se and selenoprotein P (Sepp1) levels have been found to be associated with biomarkers of an impaired carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis in humans. Moreover, abundant expression of antioxidant selenoproteins due to dietary Se oversupply resulted in hyperinsulinemia and decreased insulin sensitivity in animal models. This review discusses findings from animal and cell culture studies in search of molecular mechanisms underlying an interference of Se and selenproteins such as the Se transport and supply protein Sepp1 and the hydrogen peroxide-reducing selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) with insulin-controlled metabolic pathways. A probable rationale derives from the positive and negative regulation of both glucose-induced insulin secretion and insulin-induced signaling by hydrogen peroxide. Se status and GPx1 expression have been reported to affect the activity of insulin-antagonistic phosphatases that are regulated by hydrogen peroxide-mediated reversible oxidation of catalytic cysteine residues. GPx1 and/or Sepp1 inhibited phosphorylation (activation) of key mediators in energy metabolism such as protein kinase B (Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in liver and/or skeletal muscle. Conversely, a dys-regulated carbohydrate metabolism in diabetes might affect plasma Se and Sepp1 levels, as the hepatic biosynthesis of Sepp1 is suppressed by insulin and stimulated under hyperglycemic conditions.

Role of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase on glucose transport and GLUT4 recruitment to the cell surface in adipose cells

The previous characterization of an abundant population of non-adrenergic imidazoline-I2 binding sites in adipocytes and the recent demonstration of the interplay between these binding sites and amine oxidases led us to analyze the amine oxidase activity in membranes from isolated rat adipocytes. Adipocyte membranes had substantial levels of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). SSAO activity and immunoreactive SSAO protein were maximal in plasma membranes, and they were also detectable in intracellular membranes. Vesicle immunoisolation analysis indicated that GLUT4-containing vesicles from rat adipocytes contain substantial levels of SSAO activity and immunoreactive SSAO protein. Immunotitration of intracellular GLUT4 vesicles indicated that GLUT4 and SSAO colocalize in an endosomal compartment in rat adipocytes. SSAO activity was also found in GLUT4 vesicles from 3T3-L1 adipocytes and rat skeletal muscle. Benzylamine, a substrate of SSAO activity, caused a marked stimulation of glucose transport in isolated rat adipocytes in the presence of very low vanadate concentrations that by themselves were ineffective in exerting insulin-like effects. This synergistic effect of benzylamine and vanadate on glucose transport was totally abolished in the presence of semicarbazide, a specific inhibitor of SSAO. Subcellular membrane fractionation revealed that the combination of benzylamine and vanadate caused a recruitment of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane of adipose cells. The stimulatory effects of benzylamine and vanadate on glucose transport were blocked by catalase, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide production coupled to SSAO activity plays a crucial regulatory role. Based on these results we propose that SSAO activity might contribute through hydrogen peroxide production to the in vivo regulation of GLUT4 trafficking in adipose cells.

Early signaling events triggered by peroxovanadium [bpV(phen)] are insulin receptor kinase (IRK)-dependent: specificity of inhibition of IRK-associated protein tyrosine phosphatase(s) by bpV(phen)

Peroxovanadiums (pVs) are potent protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors with insulin-mimetic properties in vivo and in vitro. We have established the existence of an insulin receptor kinase (IRK)-associated PTP whose inhibition by pVs correlates closely with IRK tyrosine phosphorylation, activation, and downstream signaling. pVs have also been shown to activate various tyrosine kinases (TKs) that could participate in activation of the insulin-signaling pathway. In the present study we have sought to determine whether pV-induced IRK tyrosine phosphorylation requires the intrinsic kinase activity of the IRK, and whether IRK activation is necessary to realize the early steps in the insulin-signaling cascade. To address this we evaluated the effect of a pure pV compound, bis peroxovanadium 1,10-phenanthroline [bpV(phen)], in HTC rat hepatoma cells overexpressing normal (HTC-IR) or kinase-deficient (HTC-M1030) mutant IRKs. We showed that at a dose of 0.1 mM, but not 1 mM, bpV(phen) induced IRK-dependent events. Thus, 0.1 mM bpV(phen) increased tyrosine phosphorylation and IRK activity in HTC-IR but not HTC-M1030 cells. Tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin signal-transducing molecules was promoted in HTC-IR but not HTC-M1030 cells by bpV(phen). The association of p185 and p60 with the src homology-2 (SH2) domains of Syp and the p85-regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase was induced by bpV(phen) in HTC-IR, but not in HTC-M1030 cells, as was insulin receptor substrate-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activity. Thus autophosphorylation and activation of the IRK by bpV(phen) is effected by the IRK itself, and the early events in the insulin- signaling cascade follow from this activation event. This establishes a critical role for PTP(s) in the regulation of IRK activity. bpV(phen) could be distinguished from insulin only in its ability to activate ERK1 in HTC-M1030 cells, thus indicating that this event is IRK independent, consistent with our previous hypothesis that bpV(phen) inhibits a PTP involved in the negative regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase is required for insulin-induced but not for growth hormone- or hyperosmolarity-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The(1) regulatory mechanism of glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was investigated with the use of recombinant adenovirus vectors encoding various dominant negative proteins. Infection with a virus encoding a mutant regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase that does not bind the 110-kDa catalytic subunit (delta p85) inhibited the insulin-induced increase in PI 3-kinase activity co-precipitated by antibodies to phosphotyrosine and glucose uptake in a virus dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of a dominant negative RAS mutant in which Asp57 is replaced with tyrosine (RAS57Y) or of a dominant negative SOS mutant that lacks guanine nucleotide exchange activity (delta SOS) abolished the insulin-induced increase in mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, but had no effect on PI 3-kinase activity or glucose uptake. Although GH and hyperosmolarity attributable to 300 mM sorbitol each promoted glucose uptake and translocation of glucose transporter (GLUT)4 to an extent comparable to that of insulin, these stimuli triggered little or no association of PI 3-kinase activity with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Overexpression of delta p85 or treatment of cells with wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI 3-kinase activity, had no effect on glucose uptake or translocation of GLUT4 stimulated by GH or hyperosmolarity. Moreover, overexpression of delta SOS or RAC17N also did not affect the increase in glucose uptake induced by these stimuli. A serine/threonine kinase Akt, a constitutively active mutant of which was previously shown to stimulate glucose uptake, is activated by insulin, GH, and hyperosmolarity to approximately 4-fold, approximately 2.1-fold, and approximately 2.3-fold over basal level, respectively. These results suggest that insulin-induced but neither GH- or hyperosmolarity-induced glucose uptake is PI 3-kinase-dependent, and neither RAS nor RAC is required for glucose uptake induced by these stimuli in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Quantitative methods for measuring the insulin-regulatable glucose transporter (Glut4)

This review article describes various quantitation methods for the insulin-regulatable glucose transporter (Glut4). Several methods including reconstituted glucose transport, cytochalasin B binding assays, immunocytochemistry, immunoblots, ELISA, and the more recently developed exofacial labels are discussed. Since Glut4 translocates from an intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane in response to the action of insulin, it is of particular interest to measure Glut4 changes in the membrane fractions. Hence, the measurement of Glut4 commonly involves the isolation of cell membranes using subcellular fractionation in combination with one of the quantitation methods. The limitations of each quantitation method due to the use of subcellular fractionation are discussed in this article. As well, the advantages and disadvantages in terms of isoform specificity and technical difficulties of each method are presented.

Analysis of lipid metabolism in adipocytes using a fluorescent fatty acid derivative. I. Insulin stimulation of lipogenesis

Stimulation of lipid synthesis (lipogenesis) is one of the most pronounced metabolic actions of insulin. Here we demonstrate insulin-stimulated lipogenesis in isolated rat adipocytes using a fatty acid derivative which carries a fluorophore. Three major fluorescent lipid products (lipids 1, 2, 3) are generated as revealed by TLC analysis and subsequent fluorescent scanning or imaging. Lipolytic digestion and labeling studies suggest monoacylglycerol-3-phosphate and diacylglycerol (-3-phosphate) structures harboring a single fluorescent fatty acyl residue each for lipids 1 and 3 (2), respectively. Fluorescent triglycerides are not generated. Assaying acylation with isolated microsomes using the purified lipids 1 and 3 indicates that incorporation of one fluorescent fatty acyl residue into glycerol(-3-phosphate) interferes with subsequent esterification. Pretreatment of the adipocytes with insulin significantly stimulates synthesis of lipids 1 and 2, only. The insulin concentration-response relationship (EC50 = 0.5 nM) and the maximal insulin response for synthesis of lipid 1 (stimulation factor = 14- to 20-fold at low glucose and 3- to 7-fold at high glucose) are comparable with those for incorporation of [3-3H]glucose into total adipocyte lipids. Thus this fluorescence-based assay may be useful for studying insulin action and lipogenesis.

Leptin impairs metabolic actions of insulin in isolated rat adipocytes

Leptin is an adipocyte hormone involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Generally accepted biological effects of leptin are inhibition of food intake and stimulation of metabolic rate in ob/ob mice that are defective in the leptin gene. In contrast to these centrally mediated effects of leptin, we are reporting here on leptin effects on isolated rat adipocytes. Leptin impairs several metabolic actions of insulin, i.e. stimulation of glucose transport, glycogen synthase, lipogenesis, inhibition of isoproterenol-induced lipolysis, and protein kinase A activation, as well as stimulation of protein synthesis. Insulin effects were reduced by leptin (2 nM) with a half-life of about 8 h. At low leptin concentrations (<1 nM), the insulin sensitivity was reduced leading to a shift to the right in the dose-response curve. At higher concentrations the responsiveness was diminished, resulting in nearly complete inhibition of insulin effects at >30 nM leptin. The IC50 value of leptin was 3.1 +/- 1 nM after 15 h of preincubation of adipocytes in primary culture. The natural splice variant des-Gln49-leptin exhibited a significantly lower potency. Adipocytes regained full insulin sensitivity within a few hours after leptin removal. The stimulation of glucose transport by vanadate was not affected by leptin. These data show specific and potent impairment of insulin action by leptin in the physiological concentration range of both leptin and insulin, which may be related to the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in both non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Lactate production by white adipocytes in relation to insulin sensitivity

Besides its lipogenic and lipolytic functions, adipose tissue has been recognized as an important site of lactate production by epididymal adipocytes under experimental conditions in which insulin sensitivity was increased (cold exposure) or reduced (glucose perfusion). Insulin sensitivity of adipocytes was assessed by its antilipolytic effect and its stimulation of glucose uptake. We showed that, in adipocytes isolated from control and cold-exposed animals, glycerol and lactate production rose simultaneously, in response to norepinephrine. On the other hand, in adipocytes from glucose-perfused animals, we observed a dissociation between lipolytic and glycolytic responses. Indeed, lactate production in response to norepinephrine reached 60% of maximal response (10(-7)M) while the lipolytic response was still basal. This phenomenon was the result of a desensitization of beta-adrenergic receptors. However, the sensitivity of adipocytes to stimulation of lactate production by catecholamines was not different between control and glucose-perfused rats. Because lactate production in response to norepinephrine was not affected by desensitization, it suggests that lactate production is under alpha 1-adrenergic control. We confirmed this hypothesis.

A stable peroxovanadium compound with insulin-like action in human fat cells

Aqueous solutions of peroxovanadium (pV) compounds are potent insulin-mimics in various types of cell. Since chemical instability is a problem with these agents, we studied the insulin-like action in human fat cells of a stable pV complex, bpV(pic). It enhanced 14C-U-glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner by approximately twofold which was slightly less than the effect of insulin (approximately threefold). The pV complex did not alter cell-surface insulin binding and submaximal concentrations did not influence cellular sensitivity to insulin action on glucose uptake. The bpV(pic) inhibited the lipolytic effect of isoprenaline to the same extent as insulin; however, when the cGMP-inhibitable low-K(m) phosphodiesterase (cGI-PDE) was blocked with the specific inhibitor OPC 3911, the antilipolytic effect of insulin, but not that of bpV(pic), was completely prevented. Moreover, when lipolysis was stimulated by the non-hydrolysable cAMP analogue N6-monobutyryl cAMP, bpV(pic), in contrast to insulin, maintained an antilipolytic effect. These findings indicate that bpV(pic) exerts its antilipolytic effect not only through cGI-PDE activation, similar to the effect of insulin, but also by means of other mechanisms. The tyrosine kinase activity of insulin receptors from human placenta was not altered by the pV compound itself, whereas bpV(pic) clearly enhanced insulin-stimulated activity. In contrast, in situ tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta-subunit as well as that of several other proteins was clearly increased in cells which were treated with bpV(pic), whereas vanadate only amplified insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, bpV(pic) exerts powerful insulin-like effects in human fat cells and may be a new and potentially useful agent in the management of insulin-resistant states.

Combination of insulinomimetic agents H2O2 and vanadate enhances insulin receptor mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 leading to IRS-1 association with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

To analyze the mechanism of action of the insulinomimetic agents H2O2, vanadate, and pervanadate (H2O2 and vanadate), CHO cells or CHO cells that overexpress wild-type or mutant insulin receptor and/or the insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) were used. H2O2 or vanadate treatment alone had little or no effect on tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins; however, pervanadate treatment dramatically enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of proteins including the insulin receptor and IRS-1. However, the insulin receptor and IRS-1 coimmunoprecipitate from insulin-treated but not from pervanadate-treated cells. Pervanadate-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor led to an increase in insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity toward IRS-1 in vivo and IRS-1 peptides in vitro equal to that induced by insulin treatment. Pervanadate-enhanced phosphorylation of IRS-1 led to a fifteenfold increase in IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-kinase activity. However, insulin receptor-associated PtdIns 3-kinase activity from pervanadate-treated cells was not detectable, while insulin receptor-associated PtdIns 3-kinase activity from insulin-treated cells was 20% of the IRS-1-associated activity. Thus, pervanadate but not H2O2 or vanadate alone under these conditions mimics many of insulin actions, but pervanadate treatment does not induce insulin receptor/IRS-1 association.

Metabolism of agmatine (clonidine-displacing substance) by diamine oxidase and the possible implications for studies of imidazoline receptors

Clonidine-displacing substance, thought to be the endogenous ligand for imidazoline receptors, has been identified recently as agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane). The similarity of this compound's structure to that of the diamine oxidase (DAO) inhibitor, aminoguanidine, led us to investigate the possibility that agmatine might be a substrate for this enzyme. The metabolism of agmatine by purified porcine kidney DAO was measured by a peroxidase-linked colorimetric assay. Agmatine was a substrate for this enzyme and, under the experimental conditions used here, was metabolised at a rate of 0.8 mumol agmatine h-1 (unit DAO activity)-1. In contrast, agmatine was a substrate neither for rat brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) -A or -B, nor for rat brown adipose tissue semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). The metabolism of agmatine by DAO was inhibited by aminoguanidine (IC50 14.9 nM) and by the antidepressant, phenelzine (IC50 1.95 microM). These results suggest that administration of DAO inhibitors may increase endogenous agmatine levels and thus alter imidazoline receptor densities. A review of the literature documenting ligand affinities for idazoxan-preferring (I2) imidazoline binding site subtypes and drug affinities for DAO enzymes indicates that some of the I2 sites described elsewhere may correspond to DAO and not to an imidazoline receptor.

Increased expression of glucose transporter GLUT-4 in brown adipose tissue of fasted rats after cold exposure

Cold exposure has been shown to increase glucose uptake specifically in brown adipose tissue (BAT), the major site for sympathetically controlled metabolic heat production. In this study, the relationship between glucose uptake and glucose transporters (GLUT) was examined in rats exposed to cold for various periods. To minimize the stimulatory effect of circulating insulin, all animals were starved for 20-24 h before the measurements. Acute (4 h) cold exposure had no effect on protein and mRNA levels of GLUT-4, the predominant isoform of GLUT in BAT, despite a significant increase in cellular glucose uptake. Prolonged (1-10 days) cold exposure produced a parallel increase in GLUT-4 expression and glucose uptake in BAT. In contrast, cold exposure had no noticeable effect on GLUT-1, another isoform of GLUT in BAT, and on GLUT-4 in other insulin-sensitive tissues such as white adipose tissue and muscles. The increased glucose uptake and GLUT-4 expression were completely abolished after surgical sympathetic denervation. These findings suggest that cold exposure increases glucose uptake in BAT by at least two distinct mechanisms, both of which are dependent on sympathetic nerve: 1) an increase in the amount of GLUT-4 due to the stimulation of its de novo synthesis, and 2) an increase without stimulation of GLUT synthesis, probably due to the change in the transport activity of GLUT-4 and/or its translocation from an intracellular pool to the plasma membrane.

Peroxovanadate but not vanadate exerts insulin-like effects in human adipocytes

Vanadate and peroxovanadate were recently reported to exert maximal or even supramaximal (peroxovanadate) insulin-like effects in rat adipocytes. To evaluate the response in human cells, isolated human adipocytes were exposed to insulin or various concentrations of vanadate (0-10 mmol/l) or peroxovanadate (0-5 mmol/l). Neither vanadate nor peroxovanadate affected 125I-insulin binding and insulin sensitivity. Vanadate exerted no apparent effect on 14C-U-glucose uptake, whereas 0.1 mmol/l peroxovanadate exerted a full insulin-like response (p < 0.001). No additive response was observed by combining either vanadate or peroxovanadate with insulin. Peroxovanadate at 0.1 mmol/l was as effective as insulin in inhibiting isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. Neither peroxovanadate nor insulin-inhibited lipolysis stimulated by N6-monobutyryl-cAMP, an analogue which is not hydrolysed by the cAMP-phosphodiesterase. It is concluded that peroxovanadate, but not vanadate, elicits a full insulin-like response in human adipocytes.

Insulin and noradrenaline independently stimulate the translocation of glucose transporters from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane in mouse brown adipocytes

The mechanism of the effect of noradrenaline on the transport of 3-O-methyl-D-[14C]glucose ([14C]-MG) was studied in mouse brown adipocytes. When cells were exposed to low concentrations (< 10(-8) M) of insulin, the [14C]-MG uptake by cells was enhanced by noradrenaline additively. The action of noradrenaline was mimicked by isoproterenol, and was completely blocked by propranolol. Exposing cells to noradrenaline induced both an increase in the transport activity of plasma membrane fractions and a decrease in that of microsomal fractions similar to insulin exposure, indicating that noradrenaline also induces the translocation of glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. The ratio of an increase in the transport activity of plasma membrane fraction to a decrease in the activity of microsomal fraction was lower in cells exposed to noradrenaline than in cells exposed to insulin. This quantitative disagreement suggests that there are at least two different modes involved in the regulation of the translocation of glucose transporters in mouse brown adipocytes.

Preparation and application of radioiodinated sulfhydryl reagents for the covalent labeling of SH-proteins present in minute quantities

In this study we have searched for sulfhydryl reagents which can be radiolabeled and detect minute quantities of SH-proteins. Iodoacetamidotyramine reacts with sulfhydryls at a low rate, having a pseudo-first order rate constant, kappa obs = 3 +/- 0.2 M-1 s-1, at neutral pH. In contrast, N-ethylmaleimide-containing reagents, such as tyrosine-MIB and tyramine-MIB were three orders of magnitude more reactive in alkylating sulfhydryls. Pseudo-first order rate constants, kappa obs, were in the range of 5200-5700 M-1 s-1. Therefore, a simple and convenient procedure was designed for the synthesis and the radioactive labeling of tyramine-MIB. Simplification was attained by virtue of the specific-'affinity' adsorption of [125I]tyramine-MIB (and not the other intermediates) to small Sephadex G-10 column and its elution with ethanol. [125I]Tyramine-MIB was stable for weeks in dried form and for hours in acidic to neutral aqueous solutions. The reagent, when radiolabeled to high specific activity (0.5 Ci/mumol), detected sulfhydryl proteins at concentrations as low as 1-10 pM. The applicability of the reagent in studying biological systems was demonstrated by adding it to intact adipocytes and the consequent labeling of a single protein with an apparent Mr = 32,000, which is most likely an externally oriented surface plasma membrane SH-protein. [125I]Tyramine-MIB reactivity and sensitivity exceeds that of protein-tyrosyl radioiodination by the chloramine-T procedure and is expected to assist in studying minute quantities of SH-proteins.

Effect of benzylamine and its metabolites on the responses of the isolated perfused mesenteric arterial bed of the rat

1. Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) is an enzyme activity which can be found in the plasma membrane of rat vascular smooth muscle cells. We have investigated the possibility that the products of deamination by this enzyme, namely ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and the aldehyde, may be important in the modulation of the responses of vascular smooth muscle to extracellular stimuli. 2. The isolated perfused mesenteric arterial bed of the rat was used and dose-pressure response curves (DRC) to bolus injections of adrenaline (Ad) or ATP were plotted by non-linear curve fitting. The relaxant effects of carbachol (CCh), which releases endothelium dependent relaxing factor (ERDF), were studied by co-administering CCh with Ad. The effects of including the preferred SSAO substrate, benzylamine (BZ; 25 microM), in the perfusion fluid throughout the experiment and of inhibition of SSAO by treatment of rats with (E)-2-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-fluoroallylamine (MDL 72145; 1 mg kg-1) 1 h before dissection, have been studied. 3. Neither BZ nor SSAO inhibition affected the DRC to ATP. BZ shifted Ad responses to the left, inhibition of SSAO increased this shift indicating that the amine, but not its metabolites, were responsible for the potentiation of the responses to Ad. DRC to CCh showed a shift to the left and a significant decrease in the Hill slope with BZ, indicative of a potentiation of low doses of CCh more than high doses. Inhibition of SSAO prevented this change and so the metabolites of BZ deamination appeared to be involved in the potentiation. 4. Ammonia generated by SSAO may contribute to the production of EDRF or hydrogen peroxide may sensitize guanylate cyclase to stimulation by EDRF and so explain these findings.

L-alanine transport in isolated cells of interscapular brown adipose tissue in rat

The pattern of L-alanine uptake in isolated cells of interscapular brown adipose tissue has been determined. The uptake can be divided into the diffusion component (Kd = 0.55 min-1) and a saturable Na(+)-dependent transport (KM = 0.87 mM and Vmax = 155 nmol/min/10(6) cells). The saturable component can be subdivided into MeAIB-sensitive (KM = 1.63 mM and Vmax = 162 nmol/min/10(6) cells) and MeAIB-insensitive (KM = 3.2 mM and Vmax = 39.5 nmol/min/10(6) cells). This kinetic pattern could indicate the presence of transport system (s) that resemble the commonly described transport systems for alanine uptake in several tissues.

In vitro alanine utilization by rat interscapular brown adipose tissue

The in vitro oxidation to CO2 and tissue incorporation of alanine label by pieces of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) has been investigated. Insulin increased both uptake and oxidation of alanine, as well as the incorporation of alanine label into tissue. This effect only was observed in the presence of glucose in the incubation medium. Noradrenaline hampered alanine incorporation, not affecting its rate of oxidation. IBAT from 4-h cold-exposed rats showed a higher alanine utilization than that of controls; however, IBAT pieces from both 36-h starved and 30-day cold-exposed rats presented lower rates of alanine utilization. The main fate of alanine taken up by the IBAT pieces was its oxidation to CO2. Part of the label was also incorporated into the fatty acid fraction of lipids. The results obtained in this study agree with a possible role of alanine as alternative energetic substrate for IBAT.

Pervanadate [peroxide(s) of vanadate] mimics insulin action in rat adipocytes via activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase

Both vanadate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are known to have insulin-mimetic effects. We previously reported that the mixture of vanadate plus H2O2 results in the generation of a peroxide(s) of vanadate, which strongly enhances IGF-II binding to rat adipocytes (Kadota et al., 1987b). We now report that pervanadate mimics insulin in isolated rat adipocytes to (1) stimulate lipogenesis, (2) inhibit epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis, and (3) stimulate protein synthesis. The efficacy of pervanadate is comparable to that of insulin. However, it is 10(2)-10(3) times more potent than vanadate alone. Exposure of intact rat adipocytes to pervanadate was found to activate the WGA-purified insulin receptor tyrosine kinase assayed with the exogenous substrate poly(Glu80/Tyr20) in a dose-dependent manner to a maximum of 1464% of control at 10(-3) M compared with a maximum insulin effect of 1046% at 10(-6) M. In contrast, in vitro assayed autophosphorylation of the WGA-purified extract was increased 3-fold after exposure of intact cells to insulin but not significantly increased after pervanadate. Furthermore, high concentrations of pervanadate (10(-5) M) inhibited subsequent in vitro added insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation. In vitro addition of pervanadate to WGA-purified receptors could not stimulate autophosphorylation or exogenous tyrosine kinase activity and did not inhibit insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation. Labeling of intact adipocytes with [32P]orthophosphate followed by exposure to 10(-4) M pervanadate increased insulin receptor beta-subunit phosphorylation (7.9 +/- 3.0)-fold, while 10(-7) M insulin and 10(-4) vanadate increased labeling (5.3 +/- 1.8)- and (1.1 +/- 0.2)-fold, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stimulation of glucose transport by insulin and norepinephrine in isolated rat brown adipocytes

The effects of insulin and norepinephrine on glucose transport, glucose uptake, and cell respiration were investigated in isolated rat brown adipocytes. Glucose transport and uptake were determined using [U-14C]-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-[1,2-3H]-D-glucose, respectively. Brown adipocyte respiration was measured polarographically. Dose-response experiments revealed that insulin stimulated D-glucose transport and 2-deoxyglucose uptake between 10(-11) and 10(-7) M with a maximal four- to sixfold stimulation. In the absence of insulin, norepinephrine concentrations ranging from 10(-7) to 10(-7) M also enhanced glucose transport and uptake with a maximal two- to fourfold stimulation. Experiments with alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists showed that the effect of norepinephrine was predominantly mediated via beta-adrenergic pathways. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine also increased glucose transport, suggesting that the effects of norepinephrine are cyclic AMP dependent. Moreover, norepinephrine (10(-8) M) enhanced insulin sensitivity for glucose transport [half-maximum velocity constant (1/2 V max)] but failed to potentiate insulin responsiveness (Vmax). On the other hand, insulin (10(-9) M) had no effect on basal respiration but rapidly inhibited the calorigenic effect of norepinephrine (10(-7) M) by greater than 50%. These results demonstrate that 1) in the absence of insulin, physiological concentrations of norepinephrine stimulate glucose transport via beta-adrenergic pathways, 2) the neurohormone synergistically potentiates brown adipocyte submaximal insulin responses for glucose transport, and 3) insulin counteracts the effects of norepinephrine on brown adipocyte thermogenesis despite the fact that both hormones enhance glucose uptake.

Oxygen consumption and guanosine diphosphate binding by fetal brown adipose tissue in diabetic pregnancy

Oxygen consumption and 3H-guanosine diphosphate (GDP) binding were determined in brown adipocytes and mitochondria from 28-day gestation fetuses of alloxan-diabetic rabbit does and saline-injected controls. Maternal diabetes was classified as severe or mild determined by whether maternal blood glucose values were greater or less than 200 mg/dL, respectively, at death. Basal oxygen consumption and adipocyte diameters did not vary among groups. A significant reduction in maximal norepinephrine (NE) stimulated O2 consumption by fetal brown adipose tissue (BAT) cells was seen in offspring of severely diabetic pregnancies when compared with control values (248 +/- 53 +/- v482 +/- 32 microL O2/10(6) cells/h; P less than .005). In contrast, a significant increase in maximal NE-stimulated O2 consumption by fetal BAT cells occurred in offspring of mild diabetic pregnancies (807 +/- 60, P less than .001 v controls). A highly significant inverse correlation between serum glucose levels and maximal O2 consumption by fetal BAT was observed in fetuses from mild and severe diabetic pregnancies (r = -.98, P less than .005), and there was no correlation between these two parameters in offspring of normal pregnancies. A significant inverse correlation was observed between maximal O2 consumption by fetal BAT cells and serum insulin levels in offspring of both control and diabetic pregnancy (r = -.74; P less than .02). Tissue cytochrome oxidase activity was lower in offspring of severely affected diabetic does, indicating a reduction in BAT mitochondrial content compared with controls. BAT mitochondria from fetuses of severely diabetic does exhibited reduced 3H-GDP capacity, which was 2.5-fold lower than controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Insulin-like effects of histones H3 and H4 on isolated rat adipocytes

Crude preparations of histones had insulin-like actions in isolated adipocytes. This activity was attributed to the arginine-rich histones, H3 and H4. The metabolic effects of purified H3 and H4 on isolated adipocytes were similar to those of insulin in a number of respects. Like insulin, H3 and H4 stimulated the incorporation of both glucose and pyruvate in isolated cells and stimulated intercellular oxidation of glucose; in contrast, the lipolytic agents ACTH and isoproterenol actually inhibited the incorporation of pyruvate into adipocytes. In contrast to the effects of the lipolytic hormones, the effects of H3 and H4, like insulin, were not blocked by the presence of adenosine deaminase in the medium. The same concentrations of phenylarsine oxide were required to inhibit the stimulation of glucose incorporation whether by insulin or by histones. Furthermore, the addition of H4 or insulin to isolated adipocytes resulted in the increased phosphorylation of 17 kDa phosphoproteins as detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The insulin-like effect of the active histones was specific to their structure. Lysine-rich histones (H1, H2A and H2B), various polycations, and proteolytic fragments of purified H3 or H4 were all inactive. It is unknown whether this phenomenon might imply a physiological function for such endogenous molecules; however, a comparison of the detailed effects of insulin and histones might be informative in terms of common intracellular transduction systems.

Generation of hydrogen peroxide by cerebral-cortex synaptosomes. Stimulation by ionomycin and plasma-membrane depolarization

Guinea-pig cerebral cortex synaptosomes steadily release H2O2 into the suspending medium, at the rate of 20-30 pmol min-1 mg protein-1. A transient increase of the H2O2 release is induced by the addition of 1 mM Ca2+, which declines within 60-90 s to a rate identical or slightly higher than that before Ca2+. The extra H2O2 following Ca2+ addition varies between 40-100 pmol/mg protein and is insensitive to verapamil. The H2O2 release increases strongly (up to 250 pmol min-1 mg-1) upon depletion of the synaptosomal glutathione by treatment with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, a substrate for glutathione transferase. This treatment however has no effect on the Ca2+-induced H2O2 transient. In these treated synaptosomes a further increase of the output of H2O2 is rapidly induced upon addition of the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. This increase (about 100 pmol min-1 mg-1) lasts several minutes and requires the presence of Ca2+. A similar, though less pronounced increased H2O2 release is obtained (also in the absence of Ca2+) upon depolarization of the synaptosomal plasma membrane with KCl or with veratridine.

Effect of alanine on in vitro glucose utilization by rat interscapular brown adipose tissue

The rates of either glucose or alanine incorporation into tissue and oxidation to CO2 were studied in rat interscapular brown adipose tissue in order to evaluate the mutual influence of both substrates on their uptake and utilization. Tissue fragments were incubated in vitro in the presence of 1-10 mM glucose and 0.3-1.5 mM alanine. The highest glucose oxidation rate was obtained with the lowest alanine concentrations tested. This suggests that alanine inhibits glucose utilization by this tissue at concentrations that are within the physiological plasmatic range. Glucose levels had little effect upon alanine oxidation, but glucose had a permissive effect on the utilization of alanine. On the basis of these results, it is postulated that this glucose conservation effect of alanine on brown adipose tissue can help to prevent glucose wastage in postprandrial situations.

Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and insulin stimulation of glycolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

1. Insulin is able to stimulate lactate production and to enhance fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 2. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate is more efficacious than insulin in rising Fru-2,6-P2 content and less effective in the stimulation of glycolysis. 3. 3T3-L1 adipocyte 6-phosphofructo-l-kinase appears to be very sensitive to exogenous Fru-2,6-P2. 4. Insulin treatment does not affect the maximum activity of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase whereas it markedly increases the affinity of pyruvate kinase for phosphoenolpyruvate. 5. The role of Fru-2,6-P2 in the insulin induced enhancement of glycolytic flux is discussed.

Insulin receptor and postbinding defects in KK mouse adipocytes and improvement by ciglitazone

Alterations of the insulin receptor and of glucose metabolism were examined in adipocytes from genetically diabetic KK mice. Compared with those from control C57BL/6 mice, adipocytes from KK mice showed weaker insulin binding and were less sensitive and less responsive to insulin with respect to 3-O-methylglucose uptake and [1-14C]glucose oxidation. However, insulin had no difference in effect between the two groups of mice with respect to [6-14C]glucose oxidation, glyceride-glycerol synthesis, or fatty acid synthesis from [1-14C]- and [6-14C]glucose. [1-14C]Glucose oxidation of KK cells was also insensitive to insulin mimics such as vitamin K5 and H2O2. When adipose tissues were precultured with insulin or insulin mimics for 24 h, adipocytes from C57BL/6 mice showed decreased insulin binding, but KK cells did not. When administered orally to KK mice for 2 weeks, ciglitazone made adipocytes more sensitive to insulin, more responsive to insulin with respect to glucose uptake and oxidation, and more capable of binding insulin. Impairment of the downregulation at the insulin receptor caused by exposure to insulin or insulin mimics was normalized by ciglitazone treatment in KK cells. In conclusion, KK cells are insulin-resistant due to defects of the insulin receptor and postbinding system in the glucose uptake and pentose pathways. In addition, regulation of the insulin receptor seems to be closely related to the postbinding system.

In vitro glucose and 2-aminoisobutyric acid uptake by rat interscapular brown adipose tissue

The dependence upon substrate and insulin concentrations, as well as on sodium and potassium concentrations in the medium of the uptake of glucose and 2-aminoisobutyric acid, was determined for fragments of brown and white adipose tissues incubated in vitro. Brown adipose tissue showed a high capacity for glucose uptake at high glucose concentrations, this uptake being dependent on both glucose and insulin concentration. White adipose tissue showed much more limited uptake capabilities. The presence of Na+ and K+ had little effect on the uptake. The uptake of 2-aminoisobutyric acid was similar in both adipose tissues, being enhanced by physiological levels of insulin and depressed by ouabain. This amino acid transport was dependent on Na+ and K+ concentrations, and the overall transporting capability was two to three orders of magnitude lower than that for glucose. It was concluded that amino acids could not play a significant role as bulk thermogenic substrates for brown adipose tissue, as their transporters lack the plasticity of response to high substrate and insulin concentrations which characterize brown adipose tissue uptake of glucose.

Inhibition by some phenolic antioxidants of Ca2+ uptake and neurotransmitter release from brain synaptosomes

We present observations on the action of the phenolic antioxidants 2,3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHT); 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHA); n-propyl-gallate and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on the function of guinea pig cerebral cortex synaptosomes. While the Ca2+ uptake observed under non depolarizing conditions is not affected by these agents, the depolarization induced Ca2+ uptake is strongly inhibited. Similarly the phenolic antioxidants studied inhibit the Ca2+ plus depolarization induced exocytosis of GABA and glutamate. These results which are similar to those previously obtained in blood platelets (Alexandre, A. et. al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 139, 509-514, 1986), may indicate that free radical intermediates are involved in stimulus-secretion coupling.

The effects of sulfhydryl modifying reagents on nonhormonal and hormonally regulated hexose transport in cultured human skin fibroblasts

The effects of various sulfhydryl modifying reagents on hexose transport in cultured human skin fibroblasts were studied. H2O2 was observed to have no effect on 2-deoxy-D-glucose transport in serum-starved glucose-fed cells. The elevation of hexose transport rates in cells by glucose deprivation, insulin, or serum stimulation rendered them sensitive to H2O2. Hexose transport in glucose-deprived cells was inhibited 51-55% by 1-2 mM H2O2, while hexose transport in insulin or serum-stimulated glucose-fed cells was inhibited 45% and 46%, respectively. H2O2 inhibition was blocked or reversed by 8 mM dithiothreitol. N-ethyl-maleimide (NEM), a permeant, sulfhydryl reagent, elicited effects on hexose transport similar to those effected by H2O2 (i.e., in glucose-deprived and insulin-stimulated cells, inhibition of hexose transport was 44% and 23%, respectively). Impermeant sulfhydryl reagents such as dithio(bis)nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) and N-iodoacetyl-N'-(5-sulfo-1-naphthly-ethylenediame (1,5,-I-AEDANS) had no inhibitory effect on hexose transport under any conditions (i.e., glucose-fed, glucose-deprived, and insulin-stimulated cells). DTNB and 1,5-I-AEDANS afforded no protection from the action of H2O2 on hexose transport. The data suggest that the sensitive sites are thiol in nature and are located at an intramembrane or intracellular site and probably not exofacial.

The effect of insulinomimetic agents on protein degradation in H35 hepatoma cells

A wide variety of agents are shown to mimic insulin action and inhibit rates of intracellular protein degradation in H35 hepatoma cells. For oxidizing agents such as NaNO2, H2O2 and oxidized glutathione, inhibition of protein breakdown is reversed by adding catalase. Phenylhydrazine behaves like an oxidant and mimics insulin action in a manner potentiated by superoxide dismutase and reversed by catalase. Similarly the effect of insulin itself is increased by superoxide dismutase and reduced by catalase. Sulfhydryl reagents also mimic insulin action: inhibition of protein breakdown is seen following addition of 2-mercaptoethanol or a brief pre-treatment with N-ethylmaleimide or iodoacetate. Mild pre-treatment with trypsin also inhibits subsequent rates of protein breakdown. A model is proposed suggesting that these insulinomimetic actions involve a common mechanism which links the generation of active oxygen species through the redox potential of the cell to the activation of a proteinase.

The protein phosphatases involved in cellular regulation. Influence of polyamines on the activities of protein phosphatase-1 and protein phosphatase-2A

The effects of polyamines on the oligomeric forms of protein phosphatase-1 (1G), protein phosphatase-2A (2A0, 2A1 and 2A2) and their free catalytic subunits (1C and 2AC) has been studied using homogeneous enzymes isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle. Spermine increased the activity of protein phosphatase-2A towards eight of nine substrates tested. Half-maximal activation was observed at 0.2 mM with optimal effects at 1-2 mM. Above 2 mM, spermine became inhibitory. The most impressive activation of protein phosphatase-2A was obtained with glycogen synthase, especially when phosphorylated at sites-3 (8-15-fold with protein phosphatase-2A1) and phenylalanine hydroxylase (6-7-fold with protein phosphatase-2A1) as substrates. Activation of protein phosphatases 2A0, 2A1 and 2A2 was greater than that observed with 2AC. Spermine was a more potent activator than spermidine, while putrescine had only a small effect. Qualitatively similar results were obtained with five other substrates, although maximal activation was much less (1.3-3-fold with protein phosphatase-2A1). The rate of dephosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase was decreased by spermine, inhibition being more pronounced with protein phosphatase-2AC than with 2A0, 2A1 and 2A2. Spermine (I50 = 0.1 mM with protein phosphatase-2AC) was a more potent inhibitor than spermidine (I50 = 0.9 mM) or putrescine (I50 = 8 mM). Partially purified preparations of protein phosphatases-2A0, 2A1 and 2A2 from from rat liver were affected by spermine in a similar manner to the homogeneous enzymes from rabbit skeletal muscle. Spermine did not activate protein phosphatase-1 to the same extent as protein phosphatase-2A. Greatest stimulation (2.5-fold) was again observed with glycogen synthase labelled in sites-3, with half-maximal activation at 0.2 mM and optimal effects at 1-2 mM spermine. Spermine was a much more effective stimulator than spermidine, while putrescine was ineffective. Very similar results were obtained with protein phosphatases 1G and 1C. With four other substrates maximal activation by spermine was less than 1.5-fold, while the dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase (labelled in site-2), phosphorylase kinase, pyruvate kinase and glycogen phosphorylase were inhibited. Spermine (I50 = 0.04 mM) was a more potent inhibitor of the dephosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase than spermidine (I50 = 0.9 mM) or putrescine (I50 = 9 mM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Detoxification of H2O2 by cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells: participation of the glutathione redox cycle

Although it has been shown that cultured rabbit lenses can adequately defend against the 0.03-0.05 mM level of H2O2 normally found in aqueous humor, the contribution of the epithelium in this process has not been well defined. In the present study, the peroxide-detoxifying ability of the epithelium is evaluated in cultured rabbit lens cells established from 4-6-day-old rabbits and compared to that of skin fibroblasts from rabbits of the same age. When cells were cultured in medium containing H2O2, the concentration of peroxide rapidly decreased; however, various concentrations could be maintained for 3-hr periods by using glucose oxidase to enzymically generate H2O2. At an extracellular level of 0.03 mM H2O2, the rate of detoxification of peroxide by epithelial cells was 2 mumol H2O2 (8 x 10(5) cells)-1 3 hr-1, twice as fast as that for fibroblasts. Epithelial cells contained a high level of reduced glutathione (GSH) equal to 36 nmol (8 x 10(5) cells)-1, twice that present in the fibroblasts. The concentration of GSH in 8 x 10(5) epithelial cells, a number of cells normally present in one intact rabbit lens epithelium, remained constant during 3 hr of exposure to H2O2 levels as high as 0.03 mM, even though the amount of H2O2 taken up under these conditions was sufficient to oxidize completely the cellular GSH every 2 min. In contrast, the GSH content of fibroblasts declined at levels of peroxide above 0.01 mM. Participation of the glutathione redox cycle in the H2O2-detoxification process was demonstrated from studies of hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS) activity as measured by oxidation of [1-14C]-labeled glucose. The oxidation of [1-14C]-glucose in epithelial cells was stimulated 13 times that of controls during exposure to 0.04-0.05 mM H2O2, while the corresponding increase in oxidation of [6-14C]-labeled glucose was only 1.6 times. In contrast, maximum shunt activity in fibroblasts occurred at 0.03-0.04 mM H2O2 and was six times the control value. The growth potential of the cells following a 3-hr exposure to H2O2 was also used as a measure of oxidant toxicity in both cell types. Concentrations of H2O2 up to 0.03 mM had no effect on the growth of 8 x 10(5) epithelial cells but did diminish the growth of the same number of fibroblasts. Cell density was found to be an important parameter in the ability of the cells to tolerate H2O2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of protein phosphorylation by polyamines in hepatocytes

The effects of natural aliphatic polyamines on basal and hormone-stimulated protein phosphorylations in hepatocytes were studied. Cells isolated from adult rats were incubated in suspension with [32P]orthophosphate, in the absence or presence of polyamines at varying concentrations and for different times; hepatocytes were then exposed to various hormones for 10 min. Phosphoproteins contained in total cell lysates were analyzed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Spermine, the most effective amine, decreased the basal level of phosphorylation of proteins with 46, 34 and 22 kDa, and increased that of a 18 kDa protein. These effects, maximal with an external concentration of 7.5-10 mM, were detectable after a lag period of about 10 min and reached a plateau after 45 min. Pretreatment of cells with the polyamine almost completely prevented stimulation of the phosphorylation of the 46 and 34 kDa proteins by insulin; in contrast, the effects of phenylephrine on the same proteins were only partly inhibited, whereas those of glucagon appeared largely unaffected. The major polyamine effect observed in intact cells (i.e., decreased phosphorylation) could be reproduced in a cell-free system where no kinase activity persisted. Indeed, spermine added directly to cell extracts strongly accelerated dephosphorylation of the 46 kDa protein and also of the 61 kDa protein identified as pyruvate kinase; furthermore, restoration of the activity of this enzyme occurred concomitantly with dephosphorylation of the 61 kDa protein in the presence of spermine.

Heterogeneous response of isolated adult rat heart cells to insulin

3-O-Methylglucose uptake by Ca2+-resistant adult rat heart cells in suspension was measured, free of artifactual inhibitor-insensitive uptake, and with an accuracy of +/- 1.9% pellet water. (Ca2+-resistant cells are cells which retain their original rod-shaped morphology in the presence of physiological levels of Ca2+.) High levels of insulin (10(-6) M) stimulated the rate of 3-O-methylglucose uptake approximately 10-fold. In the presence of low levels of insulin (3 X 10(-11) M, 10(-10) M) uptake was biphasic; it could not be described by a single exponential function within experimental error, but required the sum of two exponentials. Deviation from a single exponential function was not so great with high levels of insulin (10(-6) M) or no insulin. Cell sugar uptake was also investigated using autoradiography of cells which had accumulated [2-14C]deoxyglucose under similar conditions. This showed considerable heterogeneity of 2-deoxyglucose uptake by cells treated with low levels of insulin, but significantly less heterogeneity of 2-deoxyglucose uptake by cells treated with high levels of insulin. It is concluded that the deviation of 3-O-methylglucose uptake from a single exponential observed at low insulin levels can be accounted for in terms of a heterogeneous response of cells to insulin.