18th European Symposium on Radiopharmacy and Radiopharmaceuticals

OP03 Selective extraction of medically-related radionuclides from proton-irradiated thorium targets

V. Radchenko, J.W. Engle, C. Roy, J. Griswold, M.F. Nortier, E.R. Birnbaum, M. Brugh, S. Mirzadeh, K. D. John, M.E. Fassbender

OP04 Comparison of [68Ga]FSC(succ-RGD)3 and [68Ga]NODAGA-RGD for PET imaging of αvβ3 integrin expression

Chuangyan Zhai, Gerben M. Franssen, Milos Petrik, Peter Laverman, Clemens Decristoforo

OP05 A new NPY-Y1R targeting peptide for breast cancer PET imaging

Ait-Mohand Samia, Dumulon-Perreault Véronique, Guérin Brigitte

OP06 The influence of multivalency on CCK 2 receptor targeting

D. Summer, A. Kroess, C. Rangger, H. Haas, P. Laverman, F. Gerben, E. von Guggenberg, C.Decristoforo

OP07 SPECT Imaging of αvβ3 Expression by [99mTc(N)PNP43]- Bifunctional Chimeric RGD Peptide not Cross-Reacting with αvβ5

Cristina Bolzati, Nicola Salvarese, Fiorenzo Refosco, Laura Meléndez-Alafort, Debora Carpanese, Antonio Rosato, Michele Saviano, Annarita Del Gatto, Daniela Comegna, Laura Zaccaro

OP09 New dienophiles for the inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction and for pretargeted PET imaging

Emilie Billaud, Muneer Ahamed, Frederik Cleeren, Elnaz Shahbazali, Tim Noël, Volker Hessel, Alfons Verbruggen and Guy Bormans

OP10 New complexing agent for Al18F-labelling of heat-sensitive biomolecules: Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of Al18F-RESCA1-HAS

Cleeren F, Lecina J, Koole M, Verbruggen A and Bormans G

OP11 A novel versatile precursor efficient for F-18 radiolabelling via click-chemistry

B. Lugatoa, S. Stucchia, E.A. Turollaa, L. Giulianoa, S.Toddea, P. Ferraboschib

OP12 A general applicable method to quantify unidentified UV impurities in radiopharmaceuticals

R.P. Klok, M.P.J. Mooijer, N.H. Hendrikse, A.D. Windhorst

OP13 Development of [¹⁸F]Fluoro-C-glycosides to radiolabel peptides

Collet C., Petry N., Chrétien F., Karcher G., Pellegrini-Moïse N., Lamandé-Langle S.

OP14 A Microfluidic Approach for the 68Ga-labeling of PSMAHBED-CC and NODAGA-RGD

Sarah Pfaff, Cecile Philippe, Markus Mitterhauser, Marcus Hacker, Wolfgang Wadsak

OP16 Surprising reactivity of astatine in the nucleophilic substitution of aryliodonium salts: application to the radiolabeling of antibodies

François Guérard, Yong-Sok Lee, Sébastien Gouard, Kwamena Baidoo, Cyrille Alliot, Michel Chérel, Martin W. Brechbiel, Jean-François Gestin

OP17 ⁶⁴Cu-NOTA-pertuzumab F(ab')₂ fragments, a second-generation probe for PET imaging of the response of HER2-positive breast cancer to trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Lam K, Chan C, Reilly RM

OP18 Development of radiohalogenated analogues of a avb6-specific peptide for high LET particle emitter targeted radionuclide therapy of cancer

Salomé Paillas, John Marshall, Jean-Pierre Pouget, Jane Sosabowski

OP19 Ligand Specific Efficiency (LSE) as a guide in tracer optimization

Emmanuelle Briard, Yves P. Auberson, John Reilly, Mark Healy, David Sykes

OP23 The radiosynthesis of an 18F-labeled triglyceride, developed to visualize and quantify brown adipose tissue activity

Andreas Paulus, Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt,Felix Mottaghy, Matthias Bauwens

OP24 Influence of the fluorescent dye on the tumor targeting properties of dual-labeled HBED-CC based PSMA inhibitors

Baranski, Ann-Christin, Schäfer, Martin, Bauder-Wüst, Ulrike, Haberkorn, Uwe, Eder, Matthias, Kopka, Klaus

OP25 [18F]MEL050 as a melanin PET tracer : fully automated radiosynthesis and evaluation for the detection of pigmented melanoma in mice pulmonary metastases

Chaussard M, Hosten B, Vignal N, Tsoupko-Sitnikov V, Hernio N, Hontonnou F, Merlet P, Poyet JL, Sarda-Mantel L, Rizzo-Padoin N

OP26 Design and Preclinical Evaluation of Novel Radiofluorinated PSMA Targeting Ligands Based on PSMA-617

J. Cardinale, M. Schäfer, M. Benešová, U. Bauder-Wüst, O. Seibert, F. Giesel, U. Haberkorn, M. Eder, K. Kopka

OP27 A novel radiolabeled peptide for PET imaging of prostate cancer: 64Cu-DOTHA2-PEG-RM26

Mansour Nematallah, Paquette Michel, Ait-Mohand Samia, Dumulon-Perreault Véronique, Lecomte Roger, Guérin Brigitte

OP29 Biodistribution of [¹⁸F]Amylovis®, a new radiotracer PET imaging of β-amyloid plaques

Fernandez-Maza L, Rivera-Marrero S, Prats Capote A, Parrado-Gallego A, Fernandez-Gomez I, Balcerzyk M, Sablon-Carrazana M, Perera-Pintado A, Merceron-Martinez D, Acosta-Medina E, Rodriguez-Tanty C

OP30 Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of [11C]-BA1 PET tracer for the imaging of CSF-1R

Bala Attili, Muneer Ahamed, Guy Bormans

OP31 In vivo imaging of the MCHR1 in the ventricular system via [18F]FE@SNAP

C. Philippe, M. Zeilinger, T. Scherer, C. Fürnsinn, M. Dumanic, W. Wadsak, M. Hacker, M. Mitterhauser

OP32 Synthesis of the first carbon-11 labelled P2Y12 receptor antagonist for imaging the anti-inflammatory phenotype of activated microglia

B. Janssen, D.J. Vugts, G.T. Molenaar, U. Funke, P.S. Kruijer, F. Dollé, G. Bormans, A.A. Lammertsma, A.D. Windhorst

OP33 Radiosynthesis of a selective HDAC6 inhibitor [11C]KB631 and in vitro and ex vivo evaluation

Koen Vermeulen, Muneer Ahamed, Michael Schnekenburger, Mathy Froeyen, Dag Erlend Olberg, Marc Diederich, Guy Bormansa

OP34 Improving metabolic stability of fluorine-18 labelled verapamil analogues

Raaphorst RM, Luurtsema G, Lammertsma AA, Elsinga PH, Windhorst AD

OP36 Development of a novel PET tracer for the activin receptor-like kinase 5

Lonneke Rotteveel, Uta Funke, Peter ten Dijke, Harm Jan Bogaard, Adriaan A. Lammertsma, Albert D. Windhorst

OP37 SPECT imaging and biodistribution studies of 111In-EGF-Au-PEG nanoparticles in vivo

Lei Song, Sarah Able, Nadia Falzone, Veerle Kersemans, Katherine Vallis

OP38 Melanoma targeting with [99mTc(N)(PNP3)]-labeled NAPamide derivatives: preliminary pharmacological studies

Davide Carta, Nicola Salvarese, Wiebke Sihver, Feng Gao, Hans Jürgen Pietzsch, Barbara Biondi, Paolo Ruzza, Fiorenzo Refosco, Cristina Bolzati

OP39 [⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-RGD: cGMP synthesis and data from a phase I clinical study

Roland Haubner, Armin Finkensted, Armin Stegmair, Christine Rangger, Clemens Decristoforo, Heinz Zoller, Irene J. Virgolin

OP44 Implementation of a GMP-grade radiopharmacy facility in Maastricht

Ivo Pooters, Maartje Lotz, Roel Wierts, Felix Mottaghy, Matthias Bauwens

OP45 Setting up a GMP production of a new radiopharmaceutical

Forsback, Sarita, Bergman Jörgen, Kivelä Riikka

OP48 In vitro and in vivo evaluation of 68-gallium labeled Fe3O4-DPD nanoparticles as potential PET/MRI imaging agents

M. Karageorgou, M. Radović, C. Tsoukalas, B. Antic, M. Gazouli, M. Paravatou-Petsotas, S. Xanthopouls, M. Calamiotou, D. Stamopoulos, S. Vranješ-Durić, P. Bouziotis

OP49 Fast PET imaging of inflammation using 68Ga-citrate with Fe-containing salts of hydroxy acids

A. S. Lunev, A. A. Larenkov, K.A. Petrosova, O. E. Klementyeva, G. E. Kodina

PP01 Installation and validation of 11C-methionine synthesis

Kvernenes, O.H., Adamsen, T.C.H.

PP02 Fully automated synthesis of 68Ga-labelled peptides using the IBA Synthera® and Synthera® Extension modules

René Martin, Sebastian Weidlich, Anna-Maria Zerges, Cristiana Gameiro, Neva Lazarova, Marco Müllera

PP03 GMP compliant production of ¹⁵O-labeled water using IBA 18 MeV proton cyclotron

Gert Luurtsema, Michèl de Vries, Michel Ghyoot, Gina van der Woude, Rolf Zijlma, Rudi Dierckx, Hendrikus H. Boersma, Philip H. Elsinga

PP04 In vitro Nuclear Imaging Potential of New Subphthalocyanine and Zinc Phthalocyanine

Fatma Yurt Lambrecht, Ozge Er, Mine Ince, Cıgır Biray Avci, Cumhur Gunduz, Fatma Aslihan Sarı

PP05 Synthesis, Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy and Nuclear Imaging Potential of Zinc Phthalocyanines

Kasim Ocakoglu, Ozge Er, Onur Alp Ersoz, Fatma Yurt Lambrecht, Mine Ince, Cagla Kayabasi, Cumhur Gunduz

PP06 Radio-U(H)PLC – the Search on the Optimal Flow Cell for the γ-Detector

Torsten Kniess, Sebastian Meister, Steffen Fischer, Jörg Steinbach

PP07 Radiolabeling, characterization & biodistribution study of cysteine and its derivatives with Tc99m

Rabia Ashfaq, Saeed Iqbal, Atiq-ur-Rehman, Irfan ullah Khan

PP08 Radiolabelling of poly (lactic-co.glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with 99mTC

R Iglesias-Jerez, Cayero-Otero, L. Martín-Banderas, A. Perera-Pintado, I. Borrego-Dorado

PP09 Development of [¹⁸F]PD-410 as a non-peptidic PET radiotracer for gastrin releasing peptide receptors

Ines Farinha-Antunes, Chantal Kwizera, Enza Lacivita, Ermelinda Lucente, Mauro Niso, Paola De Giorgio, Roberto Perrone, Nicola A. Colabufo, Philip H. Elsinga, Marcello Leopoldo

PP10 An improved nucleophilic synthesis of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy) benzothiazole ([18F]FEDMBT), potential diagnostic agent for breast cancer imaging by PET

V.V. Vaulina, O.S. Fedorova, V.V. Orlovskaja, С.L. Chen, G.Y. Li, F.C. Meng, R.S. Liu, H.E. Wang, R.N. Krasikova

PP11 Internal radiation dose assessment of radiopharmaceuticals prepared with accelerator-produced 99mTc

Laura Meléndez-Alafort, Mohamed Abozeid, Guillermina Ferro-Flores, Anna Negri, Michele Bello, Nikolay Uzunov, Martha Paiusco, Juan Esposito, Antonio Rosato

PP12 A specialized five-compartmental model software for pharmacokinetic parameters calculation

Laura Meléndez-Alafort, Cristina Bolzati, Guillermina Ferro-Flores, Nicola Salvarese, Debora Carpanese, Mohamed Abozeid, Antonio Rosato, Nikolay Uzunov

PP13 Molecular imaging of the pharmacokinetic behavior of low molecular weight ¹⁸F-labeled PEtOx in comparison to ⁸⁹Zr-labeled PEtOx

Palmieri L, Verbrugghen T, Glassner M, Hoogenboom R, Staelens S, Wyffels L

PP14 Towards nucleophilic synthesis of the α-[18F]fluoropropyl-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine

V. V. Orlovskaja, O. F. Kuznetsova, O. S. Fedorova, V. I. Maleev, Yu. N. Belokon, A. Geolchanyan, A. S. Saghyan, L. Mu, R. Schibli, S. M. Ametamey, R. N. Krasikova

PP15 A convenient one-pot synthesis of [18F]clofarabine

Revunov, Evgeny, Malmquist, Jonas, Johnström, Peter, Van Valkenburgh, Juno, Steele, Dalton, Halldin, Christer, Schou, Magnus

PP16 BODIPY-estradiol conjugates as multi-modality tumor imaging agents

Samira Osati,Michel Paquette,Simon Beaudoin,Hasrat Ali,Brigitte Guerin, Jeffrey V. Leyton, Johan E. van Lier

PP17 Easy and high yielding synthesis of 68Ga-labelled HBED-PSMA and DOTA-PSMA by using a Modular-Lab Eazy automatic synthesizer

Di Iorio V, Iori M, Donati C, Lanzetta V, Capponi PC, Rubagotti S, Dreger T, Kunkel F, Asti M

PP18 Synthesis and evaluation of fusarinine C-based octadentate bifunctional chelators for zirconium-89 labelling

Chuangyan Zhai, Christine Rangger, Dominik Summer, Hubertus Haas, Clemens Decristoforo

PP19 Fully automated production of [18F]NaF using a re-configuring FDG synthesis module.

Suphansa Kijprayoon, Ananya Ruangma, Suthatip Ngokpol, Samart Tuamputsha

PP20 Extension of the Carbon-11 Small Labeling Agents Toolbox and Conjugate Addition

Ulrike Filp, Anna Pees, Carlotta Taddei, Aleksandra Pekošak, Antony D. Gee, Alex J. Poot, Albert D. Windhorst

PP21 In vitro studies on BBB penetration of pramipexole encapsulated theranostic liposomes for the therapy of Parkinson’s disease

Mine Silindir Gunay, A. Yekta Ozer, Suna Erdogan, Ipek Baysal, Denis Guilloteau, Sylvie Chalon

PP22 Factors affecting tumor uptake of 99mTc-HYNIC-VEGF165

Filippo Galli, Marco Artico, Samanta Taurone, Enrica Bianchi, Bruce D. Weintraub, Mariusz Skudlinski, Alberto Signore

PP23 Rhenium-188: a suitable radioisotope for targeted radiotherapy

Nicolas Lepareur, Nicolas Noiret, François Hindré, Franck Lacœuille, Eric Benoist, Etienne Garin

PP24 Preparation of a broad palette of 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals for clinical applications

Trejo-Ballado F, Zamora-Romo E, Manrique-Arias JC, Gama-Romero HM, Contreras-Castañon G, Tecuapetla-Chantes RG, Avila-Rodriguez MA

PP25 68Ga-peptide preparation with the use of two 68Ge/68Ga-generators

H. Kvaternik, D. Hausberger, C. Zink, B. Rumpf, R. M. Aigner

PP26 Assay of HEPES in 68Ga-peptides by HPLC

H. Kvaternik, D. Hausberger, B. Rumpf, R. M. Aigner

PP27 Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a 99mTc(I)-Diethyl Ester (S,S)-Ethylenediamine- N,N´-DI-2-(3-Cyclohexyl) Propionic acid as a target-specific radiopharmaceutical

Drina Janković, Mladen Lakić, Aleksandar Savić, Slavica Ristić, Nadežda Nikolić, Aleksandar Vukadinović, Tibor J. Sabo, Sanja Vranješ-Đurić

PP28 90Y-labeled magnetite nanoparticles for possible application in cancer therapy

S. Vranješ-Đurić, M. Radović, D. Janković, N. Nikolić, G. F. Goya, P. Calatayud, V. Spasojević, B. Antić

PP29 Simplified automation of the GMP production of 68Ga-labelled peptides

David Goblet, Cristiana Gameiro, Neva Lazarova

PP30 Combining commercial production of multi-products in a GMP environment with Clinical & R&D activities

Cristiana Gameiro, Ian Oxley, Antero Abrunhosa, Vasko Kramer, Maria Vosjan, Arnold Spaans

PP31 ⁹⁹mTc(CO)3-labeling and Comparative In-Vivo Evaluation of Two Clicked cRGDfK Peptide Derivatives

Kusum Vats, Drishty Satpati, Haladhar D Sarma, Sharmila Banerjee

PP32 Application of AnaLig resin for 99mTc separation from molybdenum excess

Wojdowska W., Pawlak D.W., Parus L. J., Garnuszek P., Mikołajczak R.

PP33 Constraints for selection of suitable precursor for one-step automated synthesis of [18F]FECNT, the dopamine transporter ligand

Pijarowska-Kruszyna J, Jaron A, Kachniarz A, Malkowski B, Garnuszek P, Mikolajczak R

PP34 Gamma scintigraphy studies with 99mTc- amoxicillin sodium in bacterially infected and sterile inflamed rats

Derya Ilem-Ozdemir, Oya Caglayan-Orumlu, Makbule Asikoglu

PP35 Preparation of 99mTc- Amoxicillin Sodium Lyophilized Kit

Derya Ilem-Ozdemir, Oya Caglayan-Orumlu, Makbule Asikoglu

PP36 Outfits of Tracerlan FXC-PRO for 11C-Labeling

Arponen Eveliina, Helin Semi, Saarinen Timo, Vauhkala Simo, Kokkomäki Esa, Lehikoinen Pertti

PP37 Microfluidic synthesis of ω-[18F]fluoro-1-alkynes

Mariarosaria De Simone, Giancarlo Pascali, Ludovica Carzoli, Mauro Quaglierini, Mauro Telleschi, Piero A. Salvadori

PP38 Automated 18F-flumazenil production using chemically resistant disposable cassettes

Phoebe Lam, Martina Aistleitner, Reinhard Eichinger, Christoph Artner

PP39 The effect of the eluent solutions (TBAHCO3, Kryptand K2.2.2) on the radiochemical yields of 18F-Fluoromethylcholine

Surendra Nakka, Hemantha Kumara MC, Al-Qahtani Mohammed

PP40 [68Ga]Radiolabeling of short peptide that has a PET imaging potentials

Al-Qahtani, Mohammed, Al-Malki, Yousif

PP41 Is validation of radiochemical purity analysis in a public hospital in a developing country possible?

N Mambilima, SM Rubow

PP42 Improved automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FEPPA

N. Berroterán-Infante, M. Hacker, M. Mitterhauser, W. Wadsak

PP43 Synthesis and initial evaluation of Al18F-RESCA1-TATE for somatostatin receptor imaging with PET

Uta Funke, Frederik Cleeren, Joan Lecina, Rodrigo Gallardo, Alfons M. Verbruggen, Guy Bormans

PP44 Radiolabeling and SPECT/CT imaging of different polymer-decorated zein nanoparticles for oral administration

Rocío Ramos-Membrive, Ana Brotons, Gemma Quincoces, Laura Inchaurraga, Inés Luis de Redín, Verónica Morán, Berta García-García, Juan Manuel Irache, Iván Peñuelas

PP45 An analysis of the quality of 68Ga-DOTANOC radiolabelling over a 3 year period

Trabelsi, M., Cooper M.S.

PP46 In vivo biodistribution of adult human mesenchymal stem cells I (MSCS-ah) labeled with 99MTC-HMPAO administered via intravenous and intra-articular in animal model. Preliminary results

Alejandra Abella, Teodomiro Fuente, Antonio Jesús Montellano, Teresa Martínez, Ruben Rabadan, Luis Meseguer-Olmo

PP47 Synthesis of [¹⁸F]F-exendin-4 with high specific activity

Lehtiniemi P, Yim C, Mikkola K, Nuutila P, Solin O

PP48 Experimental radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-labelled cyclic minigastrin and human dosimetry estimations

von Guggenberg E, Rangger C, Mair C, Balogh L, Pöstényi Z, Pawlak D, Mikołajczak R

PP49 Synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals for cell radiolabelling using anion exchange column

Socan A, Kolenc Peitl P, Krošelj M, Rangger C, Decristoforo C

PP50 [68Ga]peptide production on commercial synthesiser mAIO

Collet C., Remy S., Didier R,Vergote T.,Karcher G., Véran N.

PP51 Dry kit formulation for efficient radiolabeling of 68Ga-PSMA

D. Pawlak, M. Maurin, P. Garnuszek, U. Karczmarczyk, R. Mikołajczak

PP52 Development of an experimental method using Cs-131 to evaluate radiobiological effects of internalized Auger-electron emitters

Pil Fredericia, Gregory Severin, Torsten Groesser, Ulli Köster, Mikael Jensen

PP53 Preclinical comparative evaluation of NOTA/NODAGA/DOTA CYCLO-RGD peptides labelled with Ga-68

R. Leonte, F. D. Puicea, A. Raicu, E. A. Min, R. Serban, G. Manda, D. Niculae

PP54 Synthesizer- and Kit-based preparation of prostate cancer imaging agent 68Ga-RM2

Marion Zerna, Hanno Schieferstein, Andre Müller, Mathias Berndt

PP55 Synthesis of pancreatic beta cell-specific [18F]fluoro-exendin-4 via strain-promoted aza-dibenzocyclooctyne/azide cycloaddition

Cheng-Bin Yim, Kirsi Mikkola, Pirjo Nuutila, Olof Solin

PP56 Automated systems for radiopharmacy

D. Seifert, J. Ráliš, O. Lebeda

PP57 Simple, suitable for everyday routine use quality control method to assess radionuclidic purity of cyclotron-produced 99mTc

Svetlana V. Selivanova, Helena Senta, Éric Lavallée, Lyne Caouette, Éric Turcotte, Roger Lecomte

PP58 Effective dose estimation using Monte Carlo simulation for patients undergoing radioiodine therapy

Marina Zdraveska Kochovska, Emilija Janjevik Ivanovska, Vesna Spasic Jokic

PP59 Chemical analysis of the rituximab radioimmunoconjugates in lyophilized formulations intended for oncological applications

Darinka Gjorgieva Ackova, Katarina Smilkov, Petre Makreski, Trajče Stafilov, Emilija Janevik-Ivanovska

PP61 The need and benefits of established radiopharmacy in developing African countries

Aschalew Alemu, Joel Munene Muchira, David Mwanza Wanjeh, Emilija Janevik-Ivanovska

PP62 University Master Program of Radiopharmacy – step forward for Good Radiopharmacy Education

Emilija Janevik-Ivanovska, Zoran Zdravev, Uday Bhonsle, Osso Júnior João Alberto, Adriano Duatti, Bistra Angelovska, Zdenka Stojanovska, Zorica Arsova Sarafinovska, Darko Bosnakovski, Darinka Gorgieva-Ackova, Katarina Smilkov, Elena Drakalska, Meera Venkatesh, Rubin Gulaboski

PP63 Synthesis and preclinical validations of a novel 18F-labelled RGD peptide prepared by ligation of a 2-cyanobenzothiazole with 1,2-aminothiol to image angiogenesis.

Didier J. Colin, James A. H. Inkster, Stéphane Germain, Yann Seimbille

Suppression of plasma free fatty acids reduces myocardial lipid content and systolic function in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is closely associated with the development of heart failure, which might be related with impaired substrate metabolism and accumulation of myocardial lipids (MYCL). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an acute pharmacological inhibition of adipose tissue lipolysis leading to reduced availability of circulating FFA on MYCL and heart function in T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

8 patients with T2DM (Age: 56 ± 11; BMI: 28 ± 3.5 kg/m(2); HbA1c: 7.29 ± 0.88%) were investigated on two study days in random order. Following administration of Acipimox or Placebo MYCL and heart function were measured by (1)H-magnetic-resonance-spectroscopy and tomography at baseline, at 2 and at 6 h. Acipimox reduced circulating FFA by -69% (p < 0.001), MYCL by -39 ± 41% (p < 0.001) as well as systolic heart function (Ejection Fraction (EF): -13 ± 8%, p = 0.025; Cardiac Index: -16 ± 15%, p = 0.063 compared to baseline). Changes in plasma FFA concentrations strongly correlated with changes in MYCL (r = 0.707; p = 0.002) and EF (r = 0.651; p = 0.006). Diastolic heart function remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate, that inhibition of adipose tissue lipolysis is associated with a rapid depletion of MYCL-stores and reduced systolic heart function in T2DM. These changes were comparable to those previously found in insulin sensitive controls. MYCL thus likely serve as a readily available energy source to cope with short-time changes in FFA availability.

Mechanisms of antihyperglycaemic action of efaroxan in mice: time for reappraisal of α2A-adrenergic antagonism in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Inspired by recent speculation about the potential utility of α(2A)-antagonism in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the study examined the contribution of α(2)-antagonism vs other mechanisms to the antihyperglycaemic activity of the imidazoline (±)-efaroxan.

METHODS

Effects of the racemate and its pure enantiomers on isolated pancreatic islets and beta cells in vitro, as well as on hyperglycaemia in vivo, were investigated in a comparative manner in mice.

RESULTS

In isolated perifused islets, the two enantiomers of efaroxan were equally potent in counteracting inhibition of insulin release by the ATP-dependent K(+) (K(ATP)) channel-opener diazoxide but (+)-efaroxan, the presumptive carrier of α(2)-antagonistic activity, was by far superior in counteracting inhibition of insulin release by the α(2)-agonist UK14,304. In vivo, (+)-efaroxan improved oral glucose tolerance at 100-fold lower doses than (-)-efaroxan and, in parallel with observations made in vitro, was more effective in counteracting UK14,304-induced than diazoxide-induced hyperglycaemia. The antihyperglycaemic activity of much higher doses of (-)-efaroxan was associated with an opposing pattern (i.e. with stronger counteraction of diazoxide-induced than UK14,304-induced hyperglycaemia), which implicates a different mechanism of action.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The antihyperglycaemic potency of (±)-efaroxan in mice is almost entirely due to α(2)-antagonism, but high doses can also lower blood glucose via another mechanism. Our findings call for reappraisal of the possible clinical utility of α(2A)-antagonistic compounds in recently identified subpopulations of patients in which a congenitally higher level of α(2A)-adrenergic activation contributes to the development and pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.

Progesterone impairs cell respiration and suppresses a compensatory increase in glucose transport in isolated rat skeletal muscle: a non-genomic mechanism contributing to metabolic adaptation to late pregnancy?

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the study was to gain better insight into the mechanisms responsible for impaired glucose metabolism during late pregnancy. We explored the direct effects of progesterone on glucose metabolism of skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Specimens of skeletal muscle from untreated rats were incubated with progesterone and rates of substrate fluxes through the various pathways of glucose metabolism were analysed.

RESULTS

Progesterone dose-dependently reduced the rates of glucose and pyruvate oxidation (insulin-stimulated rates after 5 h of exposure to 1 and 10 mumol/l progesterone: glucose oxidation, -6 +/- 4%, NS, and -39 +/- 4%, p < 0.001; pyruvate oxidation, -28 +/- 2% and -55 +/- 4%, p < 0.001 each) and increased lactate release (+28 +/- 4% and +58 +/- 9%, p < 0.005 each), which indicated inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory function. Impairment of cell respiration, e.g. by the specific inhibitor rotenone, is known to trigger a compensatory increase in glucose transport, but this response was blunted in the case of progesterone (change of glucose transport in response to 10 mumol/l progesterone vs 60 nmol/l rotenone, both causing a reduction in glucose oxidation by -39%: progesterone, +14 +/- 8% vs rotenone, +84 +/- 23%, p < 0.03). Further experiments dealt with the underlying mechanisms and revealed a rapid mode of action (50 mumol/l progesterone, reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation after 30 min: -29 +/- 7%, p < 0.01) not affected by blockers of gene expression or the nuclear progesterone receptor.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Progesterone inhibits cell respiration and at the same time suppresses a compensatory increase in glucose transport, causing cellular carbohydrate deficiency in isolated rat skeletal muscle. This effect is mediated by a direct, rapid and non-genomic mechanism and could contribute to pregnancy-associated changes in glucose homeostasis.

Effects of free fatty acids on carbohydrate metabolism and insulin signalling in perfused rat liver

BACKGROUND

Elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) induce insulin resistance and play a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes, in which fasting hepatic glucose production (HGP) is increased. However, direct effects of FFAs on fasting HGP are still unclear because indirect endocrine and metabolic effects contribute to FFA action. Thus, we aimed to investigate acute direct effects of specific FFAs on fasting HGP, lactate uptake, and insulin signalling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Isolated livers obtained from 20 h fasted rats were perfused with albumin-bound palmitate or oleate (200 micromol L(-1) each) or vehicle (control) for 180 min (n = 5-7/group).

RESULTS

Compared to control, hepatic lactate uptake was increased by palmitate and oleate (~+40%; P < 0.05), while HGP from lactate (~3 mmol L(-1)) and liver glycogen content were similar. Tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) of insulin-receptor-substrate-(IRS)-2 and p70S6-kinase phosphorylation were not affected by FFAs. Palmitate decreased insulin-receptor-beta pY, IRS-1 pY and phosphoinositol-3-kinase expression by 46 +/- 16%, 46 +/- 11% and 20 +/- 9%, respectively (P < 0.03), while oleate reduced Akt phosphorylation by 85 +/- 7% (P < 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated liver perfusion with saturated or unsaturated FFAs reduced insulin signalling protein phosphorylation at different sites and increased lactate uptake without affecting HGP or glycogen content. These results suggest that at fasting, both saturated and unsaturated FFAs increase hepatic glucose precursor uptake and may, independently of insulin's presence, accelerate protein dephosphorylation of the insulin signalling cascade at different sites.

Insulin does not regulate glucose transport and metabolism in human endothelium

BACKGROUND

Although endothelial cells express insulin receptors, it is controversially discussed whether the endothelium represents an insulin-responsive tissue. Since available data are primarily restricted to animal endothelial cells, this study tested (i) whether insulin affects glucose metabolism in human endothelium; (ii) whether insulin sensitivity is different in micro- versus macrovascular endothelial cells; and (iii) whether glucose concentration in the incubation medium affects the cells' response to insulin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human adult saphenous vein endothelial cells (HAVECs), human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) as well as human smooth muscle cells were incubated with/without insulin (0.3 nmol L(-1) or 1 micromol L(-1)). Glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, lactate release, and expression of phospho-Akt, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were determined.

RESULTS

In HUVECs and HRECs, insulin (1 micromol L(-1)) increased (P < 0.05) eNOS expression by ~70% and doubled Akt phosphorylation, but the latter was by far more pronounced in human smooth muscle cells (+1093 +/- 500%, P < 0.05). In human smooth muscle cells, insulin (1 micromol L(-1)) stimulated glycogen synthesis by 67 +/- 11% (P < 0.01). In human micro- (HRECs) and macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVECs, HAVECs and HAECs), insulin, however, failed to stimulate glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, or lactate release under various conditions, i.e. after glucose deprivation or in medium with normal (5.5 mmol L(-1)) or high glucose (30 mmol L(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis and Akt phosphorylation in human smooth muscle cells. In human micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells, insulin, however, failed to affect glucose uptake and metabolism under all experimental conditions applied, whereas it increased Akt phosphorylation and eNOS expression.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta, a regulator of oxidative capacity, fuel switching and cholesterol transport

Synthetic agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-delta have shown a promising pharmacological profile in preclinical models of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. At present, the pharmaceutical development of these drugs exploits the potential to raise plasma HDL-cholesterol in animals and their insulin-sensitising and glucose-lowering properties. PPAR-delta agonists have also proven to be powerful research tools that have provided insights into the role of fatty acid metabolism in human physiology and disease. Activation of PPAR-delta induces the expression of genes important for cellular fatty acid combustion and an associated increase in whole-body lipid dissipation. The predominant target tissue in this regard is skeletal muscle, in which PPAR-delta activation regulates the oxidative capacity of the mitochondrial apparatus, switches fuel preference from glucose to fatty acids, and reduces triacylglycerol storage. These changes counter the characteristic derangements of insulin- resistant skeletal muscle but resemble the metabolic adaptation to regular physical exercise. Apart from effects on fuel turnover, there is evidence for direct antiatherogenic properties, because PPAR-delta activation increases cholesterol export and represses inflammatory gene expression in macrophages and atherosclerotic lesions. Whereas conclusions about the full potential of PPAR-delta as a drug target await the result of large scale clinical testing, ongoing investigation of this nuclear receptor has greatly improved our knowledge of the physiological regulation of whole-body fuel turnover and the interdependence of mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity.

Activation of PPAR-delta in isolated rat skeletal muscle switches fuel preference from glucose to fatty acids

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

GW501516, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPAR-delta), increases lipid combustion and exerts antidiabetic action in animals, effects which are attributed mainly to direct effects on skeletal muscle. We explored such actions further in isolated rat skeletal muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens of rat skeletal muscle were pretreated with GW501516 (0.01-30 mumol/l) for 0.5, 4 or 24 h and rates of fuel metabolism were then measured. In addition, effects on mitochondrial function were determined in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

RESULTS

At concentrations between 0.01 and 1 mumol/l, GW501516 dose-dependently increased fatty acid oxidation but reduced glucose utilisation in isolated muscle. Thus after 24 h of preincubation with 1 mumol/l GW501516, palmitate oxidation increased by +46+/-10%, and the following decreased as specified: glucose oxidation -46+/-8%, glycogen synthesis -42+/-6%, lactate release -20+/-2%, glucose transport -15+/-6% (all p<0.05). Reduction of glucose utilisation persisted independently of insulin stimulation or muscle fibre type, but depended on fatty acid availability (the effect on glucose transport in the absence of fatty acids was an increase of 30+/-9%, p<0.01), suggesting a role for the glucose-fatty acid cycle. At higher concentrations, GW501516 uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation by direct action on isolated mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

GW501516-induced activation of PPAR-delta reduces glucose utilisation by skeletal muscle through a switch in mitochondrial substrate preference from carbohydrate to lipid. High concentrations of GW501516 induce mitochondrial uncoupling independently of PPAR-delta.

Apolipoprotein AV does not contribute to hypertriglyceridaemia or triglyceride lowering by dietary fish oil and rosiglitazone in obese Zucker rats

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Apolipoprotein AV (apoAV) is a recently discovered apolipoprotein with a triglyceride-lowering effect in genetically modified mice. Transcription of the human gene encoding apoAV (APOA5) is suppressed by insulin and stimulated by fibrates. Our goal was to study the expression of Apoa5, in comparison with Apoa4 and Apoc3, in hypertriglyceridaemic, obese and insulin-resistant Zucker rats receiving the insulin sensitiser rosiglitazone and/or a fish oil diet to lower triglycerides.

METHODS

Hepatic Apoa5, Apoa4 and Apo3 mRNA and liver and plasma apoAV were measured in lean and obese Zucker rats receiving rosiglitazone while on a coconut oil or fish oil diet.

RESULTS

Basal hepatic Apoa5 expression was similar in obese and lean Zucker rats. Unexpectedly, obese Zucker rats tended to have higher plasma apoAV levels despite their hypertriglyceridaemic state. Both rosiglitazone and the fish oil diet significantly increased Apoa5 mRNA, by about 70%, but tended to lower liver and plasma apoAV. Rosiglitazone had no effect on Apoa5 mRNA in cultured rat hepatocytes. No intact PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) response element was identified in the rat Apoa5 promoter.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data indicate that apoAV does not contribute to the hypertriglyceridaemia of obese Zucker rats or to the hypolipidaemic effect of rosiglitazone or a fish oil diet. The divergent changes of Apoa5 mRNA and apoAV levels suggest co- or post-translational regulation. The increase in Apoa5 mRNA induced by rosiglitazone is not directly mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma.

Thiazolidinediones inhibit proliferation of microvascular and macrovascular cells by a PPARgamma-independent mechanism

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study evaluated the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) agonists, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and the rexinoid LG100268 (LG), directly affect human vascular cell function (proliferation, cell cycle, protein expression, lactate release) independently of (1) their PPARgamma-activating potential and (2) the cells' vascular origin.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human adult vein endothelial cells (HAVECs), human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and human retinal pericytes (HRPYCs) were incubated (48 h) with 2-50 micromol/l rosiglitazone (RSG), RWJ241947 (RWJ), pioglitazone (PIO), troglitazone (TRO), 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) and LG. Proliferation, cell cycle distribution, protein expression, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor responsive element (PPRE) transcriptional activity and mitochondrial effects were determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation, FACS analyses, western blots, reporter assays and lactate release respectively.

RESULTS

In HUVECs, RSG, RWJ, PIO, TRO, PGJ2 and LG reduced (p<0.01) proliferation (due to a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest) by up to 23%, 36%, 38%, 86%, 99% and 93% respectively. The antiproliferative response was similar in HRPYCs and HAVECs, but was attenuated in HRECs. Whereas p21WAF-1/Cip1 and p27Kip were differently affected in HUVECs, all agents reduced (p<0.05) expression of cyclins (D3, A, E, B), cyclin-dependent kinase-2 and hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. The rank order of the antiproliferative effects of TZDs in HUVECs (RSG approximately PIO approximately RWJ<TRO) contrasted their PPRE transcriptional activities (TRO<PIO<RSG<RWJ), but correlated with cellular lactate release. Proliferation inhibition and lactate release were mimicked by rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In conclusion, this study suggests that the antiproliferative action of the TZDs in vascular cells is independent of their PPARgamma-activating and associated insulin-sensitising potential, but could relate to mitochondrial mechanisms.

Expression of uncoupling protein-3 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle is acutely stimulated by thiazolidinediones: an exercise-like effect?

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We examined whether thiazolidinediones (TZDs) acutely affect uncoupling protein-3 ( UCP-3) expression in skeletal muscle and plasma NEFA in Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

Expression of UCP-3 mRNA in hindlimb muscles and plasma NEFA were measured after a single intraperitoneal injection of TZDs in healthy male rats.

RESULTS

Independent of which TZD was injected (50 micromol/kg), UCP-3 expression in gastrocnemius muscle was distinctly increased after 6 h (increase vs vehicle-injected control: pioglitazone, 10.3+/-3.2-fold, p=0.03; rosiglitazone, 8.7+/-1.2-fold, p=0.001; RWJ241947, 9.5+/-2.7-fold, p=0.03). This was accompanied by elevated plasma NEFA (control 158+/-13 micromol/l; pioglitazone, 281+/-40 micromol/l, p=0.03; rosiglitazone, 276+/-27 micromol/l, p=0.005; RWJ241947, 398+/-51 micromol/l, p=0.004). The increase in plasma NEFA could in part have mediated TZD-induced UCP-3 expression, but increased UCP-3 mRNA was also found in isolated muscle after 2 h of TZD exposure in vitro (25 micromol/l pioglitazone, 1.7+/-0.3-fold, p=0.046), suggesting that TZDs act directly and independently of NEFA on skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In healthy rats, a single dose of TZDs rapidly increases UCP-3 mRNA in skeletal muscle and plasma NEFA. This effect resembles the acute response to a bout of exercise.

Thiazolidinediones: metabolic actions in vitro

To unravel the molecular mechanisms and the causal chain of how thiazolidinediones (TZDs) affect glucose homeostasis, it is helpful to analyse their direct influence on isolated specimens of fat, muscle, and liver in vitro. Studies on isolated adipocytes have shown that the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) is an important molecular target for TZDs, through which they trigger adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue remodelling. It is not clear, however, if the activation of PPAR gamma in adipose tissue is the cause of all the metabolic actions of TZDs. Based on in vitro studies, two hypotheses have been developed. The first emphasizes PPAR gamma-mediated actions on adipose tissue, suggesting that insulin sensitization of skeletal muscle and liver is triggered indirectly by changes in circulating concentrations of adipocyte-derived non-esterified fatty acids and peptide hormones. The second states that TZDs improve glucose homeostasis independently from adipose tissue actions by the direct interaction with muscle and liver. This hypothesis is supported by direct TZD actions on fuel metabolism of skeletal muscle and liver in vitro, which seem to be independent from PPAR gamma signalling. Major progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms involved in the effects of TZDs on adipose tissue but the causal chain responsible for their antihyperglycaemic action is still not clear. The involvement of other molecular targets in addition to PPAR gamma, of adipocyte-derived messengers, and of direct interaction with skeletal muscle and liver have yet to be clarified.

Direct thiazolidinedione action on isolated rat skeletal muscle fuel handling is independent of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma-mediated changes in gene expression

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are believed to induce insulin sensitization by modulating gene expression via agonistic stimulation of the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). We have shown earlier that the TZD troglitazone inhibits mitochondrial fuel oxidation in isolated rat skeletal muscle. In the present study, rat soleus muscle strips were exposed to TZDs to examine whether the inhibition of fuel oxidation is mediated by PPAR-gamma activation. Our findings consistently indicated direct, acute, and PPAR-gamma-independent TZD action on skeletal muscle fuel metabolism. Rapid stimulation of lactate release by 20 micromol/l troglitazone within 30 min suggested that direct TZD action on skeletal muscle in vitro does not rely on changes in gene expression rates (12.6 +/- 0.6 [control] vs. 16.0 +/- 0.8 micromol. g(-1). h(-1) [troglitazone]; P < 0.01). This conclusion was supported by the failure of actinomycin D and cycloheximide to block the effects of troglitazone. Mitochondrial fuel oxidation was consistently inhibited by six different TZDs (percent inhibition of CO(2) production from palmitate after 25 h: troglitazone, -61 +/- 2%; pioglitazone, -43 +/- 7%; rosiglitazone, -22 +/- 6%; BM13.1258, -47 +/- 9%; BM15.2054, -51 +/- 4%; and T-174, -59 +/- 4% [P < 0.005 each]), but not by PPAR-gamma agonistic compounds not belonging to the TZD class (JTT-501, -5 +/- 7% [NS]; prostaglandin J(2), 17 +/- 7% [P < 0.05]), which further argues against dependence on PPAR-gamma activation. In summary, our findings provided good evidence that direct inhibition of mitochondrial fuel oxidation in isolated skeletal muscle is a group-specific effect of TZDs and is independent of PPAR-gamma-mediated gene expression.

Free fatty acids inhibit the glucose-stimulated increase of intramuscular glucose-6-phosphate concentration in humans

To test Randle's hypothesis we examined whether free fatty acids (FFAs) affect glucose-stimulated glucose transport/phosphorylation and allosteric mediators of muscle glucose metabolism under conditions of fasting peripheral insulinemia. Seven healthy men were studied during somatostatin-glucose-insulin clamp tests [plasma insulin, 50 pmol/L; plasma glucose, 5 mmol/L (0-180 min), 10 mmol/L (180-300 min)] in the presence of low (0.05 mmol/L) and increased (2.6 mmol/L) plasma FFA concentrations. (31)P and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine intracellular concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), inorganic phosphate, phosphocreatine, ADP, pH, and intramyocellular lipids. Rates of glucose turnover were measured using D-[6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose. Plasma FFA elevation reduced rates of glucose uptake at the end of the euglycemic period (R(d 150-180 min): 8.6 +/- 0.5 vs. 12.6 +/- 1.6 micromol/kg.min, P < 0.05) and during hyperglycemia (R(d 270-300 min): 9.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 22.3 +/- 1.7 micromol/kg.min, P < 0.01). Similarly, intramuscular G6P was lower at the end of both euglycemic (G6P(167-180 min): -22 +/- 7 vs. +24 +/- 7 micromol/L, P < 0.05) and hyperglycemic periods (G6P(287-300 min): -7 +/- 9 vs. +28 +/- 7 micromol/L, P < 0.05). Changes in intracellular inorganic phosphate exhibited a similar pattern, whereas FFA did not affect phosphocreatine, ADP, pH, and intramyocellular lipid contents. In conclusion, the lack of an increase in muscular G6P along with reduction of whole body glucose clearance indicates that FFA might directly inhibit glucose transport/phosphorylation in skeletal muscle.

Lipid-dependent control of hepatic glycogen stores in healthy humans

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Non-esterified fatty acids and glycerol could stimulate gluconeogenesis and also contribute to regulating hepatic glycogen stores. We examined their effect on liver glycogen breakdown in humans.

METHODS

After an overnight fast healthy subjects participated in three protocols with lipid/heparin (plasma non-esterified fatty acids: 2.2 +/- 0.1 mol/l; plasma glycerol: 0.5 +/- 0.03 mol/l; n = 7), glycerol (0.4 +/- 0.1 mol/l; 1.5 +/- 0.2 mol/l; n = 5) and saline infusion (control; 0.5 +/- 0.1 mol/l; 0.2 +/- 0.02 mol/l; n = 7). Net rates of glycogen breakdown were calculated from the decrease of liver glycogen within 9 h using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Endogenous glucose production was measured with infusion of D-[6,6-2H2]glucose.

RESULTS

Endogenous glucose production decreased by about 25 % during lipid and saline infusion (p < 0.005) but not during glycerol infusion (p < 0.001 vs lipid, saline). An increase of plasma non-esterified fatty acids or glycerol reduced the net glycogen breakdown by about 84 % to 0.6 +/- 0.3 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) (p < 0.001 vs saline: 3.7 +/- 0.5 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and by about 46 % to 2.0 +/- 0.4 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) (p < 0.01 vs saline and lipid), respectively. Rates of gluconeogenesis increased to 11.5 +/- 0.8 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) (p < 0.01) and 12.8 +/- 1.0 micromol x kg(-1) min(-1) (p < 0.01 vs saline: 8.2 +/- 0.7 micromol x l(-1) x min(-1)), respectively.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

An increase of non-esterifled fatty acid leads to a pronounced inhibition of net hepatic glycogen breakdown and increases gluconeogenesis whereas glucose production does not differ from the control condition. We suggest that this effect is not due to increased availability of glycerol alone but rather to lipid-dependent control of hepatic glycogen stores.

UCP3 gene expression does not correlate with muscle oxidation rates in troglitazone-treated Zucker fatty rats

Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3), a mitochondrial carrier protein predominantly expressed in muscle, has been suggested to release stored energy as heat. The insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones enhance glucose disposal in skeletal muscle and have been reported to increase the expression of uncoupling proteins in various experimental systems. We therefore studied the effect of troglitazone treatment on UCP3 gene expression in muscles from lean and obese Zucker rats. In comparison with obese littermates, basal UCP3 mRNA levels in lean Zucker rats tended to be higher in white and red gastrocnemius muscles, but were lower in soleus (P<0.001) muscle and heart (P<0.01). In lean rats, troglitazone significantly increased UCP3 gene expression in white and red gastrocnemius and heart muscles (all P<0.01). In contrast, the drug reduced UCP3 mRNA expression in red gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of obese littermates (all P<0.001). The troglitazone-dependent decrease in UCP3 gene expression was accompanied by an increased weight gain in obese rats, while no such effect was observed in lean rats. In obese rats, improvement of insulin resistance by troglitazone was associated with increased rates of basal and insulin-stimulated CO(2) production from glucose measured in soleus muscle. These studies demonstrate that effects of troglitazone on UCP3 gene expression depend on the phenotype of Zucker rats and that troglitazone-induced metabolic improvements are not related to increased uncoupling resulting from upregulation of UCP3 mRNA expression in muscle.

Effects of short-term leptin exposure on triglyceride deposition in rat liver

Leptin has recently been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. Consequently, this study was designed to examine the direct effects of portal leptin on the intrahepatic lipid contents in the postabsorptive state. Rat livers (n = 6 per group) were perfused in a recirculating system and portally infused with leptin (0.5 nmol/L, 5 nmol/L, and 25 nmol/L), insulin (10 nmol/L), leptin (5 nmol/L) plus insulin (10 nmol/L), glucagon (1 nmol/L), or vehicle (control). Intrahepatic contents of triglycerides, free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, and free fatty acids were determined from the lipid extract of frozen livers by capillary gas chromatography. Short-term leptin infusion increased total triglycerides in a concentration-dependent (0.5 nmol/L: 2.8 +/- 0.4 mg/g, 5 nmol/L: 7.0 +/- 0.5 mg/g, 25 nmol/L: 8.3 +/- 1.0 mg/g) and time-dependent manner. Total triglycerides also rose during exposure to insulin plus leptin (7.2 +/- 0.6 mg/g) but fell during glucagon infusion (2.6 +/- 0.2 mg/g; control: 4.3 +/- 0.3 mg/g; P <.05). Leptin, insulin, and glucagon increased intrahepatic free cholesterol (P <.05). Free fatty acids were also higher during leptin exposure (0.5 nmol/L: 1.28 +/- 0.08 mg/g, 5 nmol/L: 0.47 +/- 0.01 mg/g, 25 nmol/L: 0.48 +/- 0.04 mg/g, control: 0.38 +/- 0.03 mg/g; P <.05). In conclusion, hyperleptinemia increases hepatic triglyceride content and may therefore contribute to hepatic steatosis in hyperleptinemic obese patients.

Effects of insulin-like growth factor I on basal and stimulated glucose fluxes in rat liver

Effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin on glucose and potassium fluxes were examined by measuring transhepatic glucose and potassium balance in isolated perfused rat livers. At 1 nM, both IGF-I and insulin decreased basal glucose release by approximately 64% (P < 0.05). Adrenaline (epinephrine)-stimulated glucose release (42.6 +/- 4.5 micromol/g of liver within 30 min) was inhibited (P < 0.05) by approximately 32 and approximately 52% during IGF-I and insulin exposure, which was accompanied by reduced cAMP release (-71 and -80%, P < 0.05). IGF-I- and insulin-induced reduction of glucose release only decreased during calcium-free perfusion, but not during inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase by wortmannin. Both IGF-I and insulin induced net potassium uptake, while insulin also attenuated the response to adrenaline. In conclusion, IGF-I causes (i) insulin-like inhibition of hepatic glycogenolysis, even at low, nanomolar concentrations, which is associated with decreased cAMP release, reduced in the absence of Ca(2+), but not mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase, (ii) reduction of adrenaline-induced glycogenolysis and (iii) net potassium uptake under basal conditions.

Metabolic response to anisoosmolarity of rat skeletal muscle in vitro

Isolated rat hepatocytes exhibit an insulin-like anabolic response to hypoosmotic incubation and a glucagon-like catabolic response to hyperosmotic incubation. Recently, a distinct glycogenic response to hypoosmotic treatment was likewise reported for cultured rat myotubes. The present study examines the effects of anisoosmolar exposure on glucose metabolism in freshly isolated rat soleus muscle strips. Under the same experimental conditions as used for cultured myotubes, hypoosmolarity reduced net glycogen synthesis to 52%, while hyperosmolarity stimulated glycogen storage to 231% of isoosmolar control (nmol glucose incorporated into glycogen g(-1) x h(-1): hypoosmolar, 34+/-3; isoosmolar, 65+/-8; hyperosmolar, 150+/-11; p<0.01 each vs. isoosmolar). The responses of native skeletal muscle to anisoosmolarity are therefore in opposition to what has been described for hepatocytes and cultured myotubes. Further experiments on rat skeletal muscle revealed that the observed lack of a glycogenic response to hypoosmolarity persisted independent of medium composition, specifically with regard to prevailing glucose and K+ concentrations. In conclusion, hypoosmotic exposure inhibits glycogen synthesis in isolated rat soleus muscle, which clearly argues against the hypothesis that osmotic changes and cell swelling may be physiologically relevant stimulators of muscle glycogen synthesis.

Troglitazone directly inhibits CO(2) production from glucose and palmitate in isolated rat skeletal muscle

Troglitazone is a nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist with insulin-sensitizing properties that has been introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. To further elucidate its mechanism of action, this study examined direct troglitazone effects on glucose and palmitate utilization in isolated rat soleus muscle. Exposure of muscle specimens for 25 h to 5 micromol/liter troglitazone resulted in the distinct inhibition of insulin-stimulated mitochondrial fuel oxidation as indicated by decreased rates of CO(2) produced from glucose (glucose converted to CO(2), nanomoles per gram per hour: control, 1461 +/- 192 versus troglitazone, 753 +/- 80, P <.0001) and palmitate (palmitate converted to CO(2), nanomoles per gram per hour: control, 75 +/- 5 versus troglitazone, 20 +/- 2, P <.0001). Blunted fuel oxidation was accompanied by increased rates of anaerobic glycolysis (lactate release, micromoles per gram per hour: control, 17.3 +/- 1.0 versus troglitazone, 49.2 +/- 2.7, P <.0001) and glucose transport ([(3)H]2-deoxyglucose transport, cpm per milligram per hour: control, 540 +/- 46 versus troglitazone, 791 +/- 61, P <.0001), as well as by decreased rates of glycogen synthesis (glucose incorporation into glycogen, micromoles per gram per hour: control, 2.00 +/- 0.26 versus troglitazone, 1.02 +/- 0.13, P <.001). Such shift toward anaerobic glucose utilization also was seen in the absence of insulin and with short-term troglitazone exposure for 90 min, indicating an underlying mechanism that is rapid and independent of concomitant insulin stimulation. The results demonstrate direct and acute inhibition of fuel oxidation to CO(2) by troglitazone in rat skeletal muscle in vitro.

Chronic and acute effects of thiazolidinediones BM13.1258 and BM15.2054 on rat skeletal muscle glucose metabolism

1 New thiazolidinediones BM13.1258 and BM15.2054 were studied with regard to their PPARgamma-agonistic activities and to their acute and chronic effects on glucose metabolism in soleus muscle strips from lean and genetically obese rats. 2 Both BM13.1258 and BM15.2054 revealed to be potent PPARgamma-activators in transient transfection assays in vitro. 3 In insulin-resistant obese rats, but not in lean rats, 10 days of oral treatment with either compound increased the stimulatory effect of insulin on muscle glycogen synthesis to a similar extent (insulin-induced increment in micromol glucose incorporated into glycogen g-1 h-1: control, +1.19+/-0.28; BM13.1258, +2.50+/-0.20; BM15.2054, +2.55+/-0.46; P<0.05 vs control each). 4 In parallel to insulin sensitization, mean glucose oxidation increased insulin-independently in response to BM13.1258 (to 191 and 183% of control in the absence and presence of insulin, respectively; P<0.01 each), which was hardly seen in response to BM15.2054 (to 137 and 124% of control, respectively; ns). 5 Comparable effects on PPARgamma activation and on amelioration of insulin resistance by BM13.1258 and BM15.2054 were therefore opposed by different effects on glucose oxidation. 6 In contrast to chronic oral treatment, acute exposure of muscles to BM13.1258 or BM15.2054 in vitro elicited a distinct catabolic response of glucose metabolism in specimens from both lean and obese rats. 7 The results provide evidence that BM13.1258 and BM15.2054 can affect muscle glucose metabolism via more than one mechanism of action. 8 Further efforts are required to clarify, to what extent other mechanisms besides insulin sensitization via the activation of PPARgamma are involved in the antidiabetic actions of thiazolidinediones.

Rapid impairment of skeletal muscle glucose transport/phosphorylation by free fatty acids in humans

The initial effects of free fatty acids (FFAs) on glucose transport/phosphorylation were studied in seven healthy men in the presence of elevated (1.44 +/- 0.16 mmol/l), basal (0.35 +/- 0.06 mmol/l), and low (<0.01 mmol/l; control) plasma FFA concentrations (P < 0.05 between all groups) during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. Concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P), inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine, ADP, and pH in calf muscle were measured every 3.2 min for 180 min by using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Rates of whole-body glucose uptake increased similarly until 140 min but thereafter declined by approximately 20% in the presence of basal and high FFAs (42.8 +/- 3.6 and 41.6 +/- 3.3 vs. control: 52.7 +/- 3.3 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.05). The rise of intramuscular G-6-P concentrations was already blunted at 45 min of high FFA exposure (184 +/- 17 vs. control: 238 +/- 17 micromol/l, P = 0.008). At 180 min, G-6-P was lower in the presence of both high and basal FFAs (197 +/- 21 and 213 +/- 18 vs. control: 286 +/- 19 micromol/l, P < 0.05). Intramuscular pH decreased by -0.013 +/- 0.001 (P < 0.005) during control but increased by +0.008 +/- 0.002 (P < 0.05) during high FFA exposure, while Pi rose by approximately 0.39 mmol/l (P < 0.005) within 70 min and then slowly decreased in all studies. In conclusion, the lack of an initial peak and the early decline of muscle G-6-P concentrations suggest that even at physiological concentrations, FFAs primarily inhibit glucose transport/phosphorylation, preceding the reduction of whole-body glucose disposal by up to 120 min in humans.

Acute troglitazone action in isolated perfused rat liver

1. The thiazolidinedione compound, troglitazone, enhances insulin action and reduces plasma glucose concentrations when administered chronically to type 2 diabetic patients. 2. To analyse to what extent thiazolidinediones interfere with liver function, we examined the acute actions of troglitazone (0.61 and 3.15 microM) on hepatic glucose and lactate fluxes, bile secretion, and portal pressure under basal, insulin- and/or glucagon-stimulated conditions in isolated perfused rat livers. 3. During BSA-free perfusion, high dose troglitazone increased basal (P < 0.01), but inhibited glucagon-stimulated incremental glucose production by approximately 75% (10.0 +/- 2.5 vs control: 40.0 +/- 7.2 micromol g liver(-1), P < 0.01). In parallel, incremental lactate release rose approximately 6 fold (13.1 +/- 5.9 vs control: 2.2 +/- 0.8 mmol g liver(-1), P < 0.05), while bile secretion declined by approximately 67% [0.23 +/- 0.02 vs control: 0.70 +/- 0.05 mg g liver(-1) min(-1)), P < 0.001]. Low dose troglitazone infusion did not enhance the inhibitory effect of insulin on glucagon-stimulated glucose production, but rapidly increased lactate release (P < 0.0005) and portal venous pressure (+0.17 +/- 0.07 vs +0.54 +/- 0.07 cm buffer height, P < 0.0001). 4. These results indicate that troglitazone exerts both insulin-like and non-insulin-like hepatic effects, which are blunted by addition of albumin, possibly due to troglitazone binding.

Acute effect of leptin on hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in perfused rat liver

Leptin circulates in blood and is involved in body weight control primarily via hypothalamic receptors. To examine its direct metabolic action, effects of short-term portal leptin infusion: 1) on postprandial basal and epinephrine-stimulated glycogenolysis; and 2) on postabsorptive lactate-stimulated gluconeogenesis were studied in isolated perfused rat livers. Incremental epinephrine (150 pmol x min-1 x g-1 liver)-stimulated glucose release (in micromol/g liver within 30 minutes; control: 28.3 +/- 2.8) was suppressed (P <.05) by 44% (15.8 +/- 1.6), by 48% (14.6 +/- 4.1), and by 53% (13.3 +/- 2.1) during insulin (3 pmol x min-1 x g-1 liver), leptin (30 pmol x min-1 x g-1 liver), and simultaneous leptin + insulin infusion. Perfusate cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased approximately twofold during epinephrine stimulation in all groups. Neither leptin nor insulin affected hepatic lactate production, bile flow, or portal pressure in the fed state. In the postabsorptive state (20-hour fasting), rates of lactate (10 mmol/L)-dependent hepatic glucose release (in micromol. min-1 x g-1 liver; control: 0.12 +/- 0.01) were increased (P <.01) to 0.35 +/- 0.02 and to 0.24 +/- 0.01 by glucagon (3 pmol x min-1 x g-1 liver) and by leptin (15 pmol x min-1 x g-1 liver), respectively. In parallel, lactate uptake rates (in micromol x min-1 x g-1 liver) were higher in the presence of both glucagon (0.90 +/- 0. 03) and leptin (0.84 +/- 0.02) compared with control (0.68 +/- 0.04). In conclusion, leptin modulates hepatic glucose fluxes and may contribute to direct humoral regulation of liver glycogen stores in the fasted as well as in the fed state.

Failure of leptin to affect basal and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism of rat skeletal muscle in vitro

Studies on different isolated tissues have provided evidence that leptin may directly modulate cellular glucose handling. The present study was performed to elucidate leptin's action on basal and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in native muscle tissue, which under physiological circumstances is the quantitatively most important target tissue of insulin. Isolated rat soleus muscle strips were incubated for 1 h in the absence or presence of leptin (0, 1, 10, or 100 nmol/l) under basal or insulin-stimulated conditions (10 nmol/l). No effects of leptin were found on the rates of 3H-2-deoxy-glucose transport (basal: control, 314+/-14; 1 nmol/l leptin, 320+/-17; 10 nmol/l leptin, 314+/-13; 100 nmol/l leptin, 322+/-16; insulin-stimulated: control, 690+/-33; 1 nmol/l leptin, 691+/-29; 10 nmol/l leptin, 665+/-26; 100 nmol/l leptin, 664+/-27; cpm x mg(-1) x h(-1); NS vs respective control) and on net glucose incorporation into glycogen (basal: control, 1.75+/-0.18; 1 nmol/l leptin, 2.01+/-0.13; 10 nmol/l leptin, 1.92+/-0.11; 100 nmol/l leptin, 1.81+/-0.13; insulin-stimulated: control, 5.98+/-0.40; 1 nmol/l leptin, 5.93+/-0.30; 10 nmol/l leptin, 5.46+/-0.25; 100 nmol/l leptin, 5.85+/-0.30; micromol x g(-1) x h(-1); NS vs respective control). In parallel, leptin failed to affect rates of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis as well as muscle glycogen content. Further experiments revealed that the inability of leptin to directly affect muscle glucose handling prevailed independently of muscle fiber type (soleus and epitrochlearis muscle), of ambient insulin concentrations (0-30 nmol/l), and of leptin exposure time (1 h or 6 h). Thus, our findings fail to support speculations about a physiological role of direct insulin-mimetic or insulin-desensitizing effects of leptin on skeletal muscle tissue.

Acute non-insulin-like stimulation of rat muscle glucose metabolism by troglitazone in vitro

1. The direct short-term effects of troglitazone on parameters of glucose metabolism were investigated in rat soleus muscle strips. 2. In muscle strips from Sprague-Dawley rats, troglitazone (3.25 micromol l(-1)) increased basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport by 24% and 41%, respectively (P<0.01 each). 3. In the presence of 5 nmol l(-1) insulin, stimulation of glucose transport by 3.25 micromol l(-1) troglitazone was accompanied by a 36% decrease in glycogen synthesis, while glycolysis was increased (112% increase in lactate production) suggesting a catabolic response of intracellular glucose handling. 4. Whereas insulin retained its stimulant effect on [3H]-2-deoxy-glucose transport in hypoxia-stimulated muscle (by 44%; c.p.m. mg(-1) h(-1): 852+/-77 vs 1229+/-75, P<0.01), 3.25 micromol l(-1) troglitazone failed to increase glucose transport under hypoxic conditions (789+/-40 vs 815+/-28, NS) suggesting that hypoxia and troglitazone address a similar, non-insulin-like mechanism. 5. No differences between troglitazone and hypoxia were identified in respective interactions with insulin. 6. Troglitazone acutely stimulated muscle glucose metabolism in a hypoxia/contraction-like manner, but it remains to be elucidated whether this contributes to the long-term antidiabetic and insulin enhancing potential in vivo or is to be regarded as an independent pharmacological effect.

More marked stimulation by lithium than insulin of the glycogenic pathway in rat skeletal muscle

Lithium's impact on glucose metabolism was compared with that of insulin in isolated rat soleus muscle. Lithium chloride (20 mmol/l) induced a 4.8-fold more pronounced increment over basal glycogen synthase activity than insulin (10 nmol/l) (nmol UDP-glucose into glycogen in synthase activity assay.g-1.min-1: lithium, +22.1 +/- 1.8 vs. insulin, +4.6 +/- 3.9; P < 0.01). In parallel, lithium was less efficient than insulin in stimulating glucose transport (counts per minute 2-deoxy-D-[3H]glucose.mg-1.h-1: lithium, +211 +/- 19 vs. insulin, +311 +/- 57; P < 0.05) and lactate release (mumol.g-1.h-1: lithium, +1.0 +/- 0.5 vs. insulin, +3.9 +/- 0.5; P < 0.01), and similar increments were induced in glycogen synthesis (mumol glucose into glycogen.g-1.h-1: lithium, +3.32 +/- 0.43 vs. insulin, +3.46 +/- 0.47; not significant). Full additivity of glycogenic effects and divergent dependency on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation provided further evidence for different mechanisms of action. In muscle from insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats (fa/fa), failure of lithium to reverse deficits in glucose metabolism suggested a primary deficit in muscle glucose uptake rather than glycogen synthesis. Hence lithium distinctly stimulates glycogen synthase activity in skeletal muscle and may therefore be regarded as a candidate for the treatment of disorders associated with primary deficits in the glycogenic pathway.

Acute and chronic exposure to tumor necrosis factor-alpha fails to affect insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism of isolated rat soleus muscle

To better understand the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) on insulin sensitivity, direct interaction of the peptide with freshly isolated rat soleus muscle strips was investigated. Muscles were exposed to TNF alpha at concentrations ranging from 0.01-5 nmol/liter. Rates of insulin-stimulated (5 or 100 nmol/liter) glucose metabolism were determined after periods of TNF alpha preexposure of 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h. Independent of exposure time, TNF alpha failed to exert any significant effect on rates of 3H-2-deoxy-glucose transport (stimulation by 100 nmol/liter insulin after preincubation without vs. with 5 nmol/liter TNF alpha, cpm/mg x h: 30 min, 779 +/- 29 vs. 725 +/- 29; 6 h, 652 +/- 56 vs. 617 +/- 60; 24 h, 911 +/- 47 vs. 936 +/- 31) or glucose incorporation into glycogen (micromol/g x h: 30 min, 5.19 +/- 0.22 vs. 5.25 +/- 0.41; 6 h, 2.08 +/- 0.10 vs. 2.09 +/- 0.17; 24 h, 2.51 +/- 0.21 vs. 2.41 +/- 0.26). In parallel, TNF alpha neither affected insulin-stimulated rates of glucose oxidation (CO2 production) and anaerobic glycolysis (lactate release), nor muscle glycogen content. In conclusion, these findings do not support the hypothesis of muscle insulin desensitization by TNF alpha via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. The obtained data favor the concept that TNF alpha-dependent muscle insulin resistance in vivo depends on indirect effects rather than direct interaction of the peptide with skeletal muscle.

Insulin-like vs. non-insulin-like stimulation of glucose metabolism by vanadium, tungsten, and selenium compounds in rat muscle

The direct impact of vanadate, tungstate, selenate, and selenite on glucose metabolism of isolated rat soleus muscle was investigated. All compounds stimulated glucose transport, but only vanadate exerted an insulin-like effect on glycogen synthesis (mumol glucose into glycogen*g-1*h-1: control 1.43 +/- 0.11 vs. 1 mmol/l vanadate, 2.08 +/- 0.11, p < 0.0001), which was more distinct in the presence of 1 mmol/l H2O2 (control, 1.44 +/- 0.13 vs. 1 mmol/l vanadate, 3.49 +/- 0.12, p < 0.001). Glucose handling of muscles exposed to tungstate, selenate, or selenite resembled that of hypoxic muscle, i.e. the induced rise in glucose uptake was inhibited by dantrolene and associated with high rates of glycolysis and rapid glycogen depletion (glycogen content after incubation, mumol glucosyl units/g: control, 16.2 +/- 0.7 vs. hypoxia, 2.7 +/- 0.5, p < 0.0001; control, 17.0 +/- 0.5 vs. 100 mmol/l tungstate, 5.5 +/- 0.4, p < 0.001; control, 16.2 +/- 0.7 vs. 100 mmol/l selenate, 1.5 +/- 0.3, and vs. 300 mumol/l selenite, 1.7 +/- 0.3, p < 0.0001 each). The results suggest that vanadate (and more pronounced it's peroxides) exerts true insulin-like action on isolated muscle glucose metabolism, whereas tungsten and selenium salts trigger glucose transport in association with a catabolic response, which may represent an unspecific response to toxic/osmotic stress.

Effects of glucosamine on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in rat soleus muscle

Intracellular accumulation of glucosamine metabolites (which can be achieved by pre-incubation of cells with glucosamine) during hyperglycaemia may decrease the rate of insulin-mediated glucose transport in cells. Soleus muscle preparations were pre-incubated in the presence or absence of glucosamine in media that contained glutamine (Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, DMEM; Medium 199, M199) or devoid of glutamine (Krebs-Henseleit's buffer, KHB). Subsequently, muscles were transferred to fresh media, in the absence of glucosamine, but with various concentrations of insulin and the rates of 2-deoxyglucose transport or intracellular glucose metabolism were measured. Glucosamine pre-exposure decreased both insulin-stimulated (1000 microU/ml) glucose transport and phosphorylation. The percentage decreases for 3H-2-deoxyglucose transport after pre-incubation with 40 mM glucosamine compared with untreated muscles were: DMEM, 48%; KHB, 50%; M199, 29%. The percentage decreases for 3H-2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate accumulation were: DMEM, 53%; KHB 60%; M199, 37%. In DMEM and KHB, glucosamine pre-treatment of soleus muscle preparations markedly decreased the rate of lactate release and stimulated the rate of 14C-glucose incorporation into glycogen. Thus, a distinct shift of glucosyl units from glycolysis to glycogenesis occurred with low and high insulin concentrations. For the latter (1000 microU of insulin/ml) the ratio of moles of glucose converted to lactate divided by moles of glucose incorporated into glycogen in muscles pre-incubated in the absence or presence of glucosamine (40 mM) was, respectively: DMEM, 4.34 + 0.52 vs 1.55 + 0.06, P < 0.001; KHB, 2.80 + 0.44 vs 0.76 + 0.03, P < 0.005). Glycogen synthesis was not stimulated in muscles pre-exposed to glucosamine in M199. In muscles pre-incubated to glucosamine and incubated in DMEM or KHB, there was a marked shift of glucose transported into the cell from glycolysis to glycogenesis. Thus, glucosamine or its metabolites had distinct effects on intracellular glucose handling.

Improved glucose tolerance by acute vanadate but not by selenate exposure in genetically obese rats (fa/fa)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the impact of acute vanadate and selenate exposure on glucose tolerance of obese Zucker rats (fa/fa).

DESIGN

Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (2.4 mmol/kg, continuously from 0 to 30 min) were performed in conscious Zucker rats exposed to a bolus-continuous infusion of sodium vanadate (2.45 mumol/h) or sodium selenate (0.90 and 2.45 mumol/h) and were compared to intraindividual control experiments with saline infusion.

RESULTS

Vanadate infusion improved glucose tolerance and decreased insulin release, as shown by total areas under the curves (0-120 min: Glucose, min.mmol/l: control, 983 +/- 59 vs vanadate, 915 +/- 54, P < 0.02; Insulin min.nmol/l: control, 117.5 +/- 19.9 vs vanadate, 88.5 +/- 26.2, P < 0.01). In contrast, infusion of selenate increased glucose induced insulin release during the first phase of the IVGTT (0-60 min, incremental area under the insulin curve: by 57% and 110% for low and high selenate infusion rate, respectively) and transiently improved glucose tolerance (0-60 min, decrease of incremental area under the glucose curve: 31% and 28%, respectively). That effect of selenate was lost with progression of the experiment during the second hour of the IVGTT, when plasma glucose continued to decline slowly in control experiments, but increased in selenate exposed rats without any adequate insulin secretory response to hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate improved glucose tolerance and decreased plasma insulin concentration during acute vanadate exposure. Only a transient insulinotropic effect with improved glucose tolerance is induced during acute selenate exposure, and is followed by progressive development of hyperglycemia indicating selenate toxicity.

Failure of GLP-1(7-36)amide to affect glycogenesis in rat skeletal muscle

Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide has been described as exerting potent glycogenic action and as stimulating glycolysis in skeletal muscle. We exposed isolated rat soleus muscle strips to various concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide (10(-11) - 10(-6) mol/l) or insulin (10(-10) - 10(-7) mol/l) and determined the respective effects on glucose metabolism. Insulin markedly increased the rate of glucose incorporation into glycogen with a maximal effect at 10(-8) mol/l insulin (348 +/- 46% of intraindividual control experiment, p < 0.005), while glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide was without an effect (e.g. 10(-11) mol/l, 96 +/- 10%; 10(-9) mol/l, 104 +/- 9%; 10(-7) mol/l, 121 +/- 13%; not significant). Likewise, glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide did not affect the rate of 3H-2-deoxy-glucose transport or glycogen content of soleus muscle strips. The rates of aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis were also not increased. The findings were independent of peptide source and of employed muscle size. Our results do not suggest any effect of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide on skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and, hence, are in contrast to data derived from similar experiments by others.

Metabolic effect of sodium selenite: insulin-like inhibition of glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis in the isolated perfused rat liver

Selenium, an essential trace element, has been shown to decrease plasma glucose concentrations of diabetic rats. To study the short-term effects of selenium on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism, isolated perfused livers of fed Sprague-Dawley rats were continuously infused with sodium selenite for 90 minutes. This resulted in an immediate elevation of selenium in the effluent perfusate (3.3 +/- 0.1, 16.1 +/- 0.4, 30.3 +/- 1.6, and 118.9 +/- 0.8 mumol/L at infusion of 10, 50, 100, and 500 mumol/L sodium selenite, respectively). Basal hepatic glucose production decreased in a dose-dependent manner within 60 minutes of low-dose sodium selenite infusion (10: 0.60 +/- 0.20, 50: 0.21 +/- 0.40, and 100 mumol/L: 0.21 +/- 0.09 mumol.min-1.g-1 liver; P < .05 vs. zero time), while it was transiently increased by 500 mumol/L sodium selenite (1.11 +/- 0.18 mumol.min-1.g-1 liver; P < .05). Glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis was suppressed by 50% (P < .05) at 1.8 nmol/L insulin and by 90% (P < .001) at 10 mumol/L sodium selenite. That selenium concentration did not affect glutathione peroxidase activities in liver and perfusate erythrocytes within 60 minutes. Toxic effects of high-dose selenite (500 mumol/L), but not of low-dose selenite (10 mumol/L) infusion, were indicated by increased hepatic glucose (P < .05), lactate (P < .01), and lactate dehydrogenase (P < .001) release as well as histologically by degeneration and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In conclusion, low-dose selenite exerts a potent insulinlike effect on hepatic glycogenolysis in vitro by counteracting glucagon action, whereas high-dose selenite may severely impair liver function.

Insulin-like growth factor-I inhibits insulin and amylin secretion in conscious rats

Human recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) exerts insulin-like antidiabetic properties in vitro and in vivo. To determine the effects of IGF-I infusion on insulin and amylin release, plasma glucose of freely moving undisturbed rats was constantly maintained at 13.9 mmol/liter by variable glucose infusion for 120 min in three groups of fasted Sprague-Dawley rats (hyperglycemic clamp technique). Group A, vehicle infusion (control group); group B, bolus 0.39 nmol plus 0.39 nmol/h IGF-I continously; and group C, bolus 1.96 nmol plus 1.96 nmol/h IGF-I continuously. During the steady-state phase of the experiment, IGF-I dose dependently reduced plasma insulin (pmol/liter: A, 718 +/- 58; B, 613 +/- 35, NS vs. A; C, 408 +/- 21, P < 0.01 vs. A; dose-response effect: P < 0.0001), plasma amylin (pmol/liter: A, 10.2 +/- 0.6; B, 8.8 +/- 0.5, NS vs. A; C, 5.8 +/- 0.4, P < 0.01 vs. A; dose-response effect: P < 0.0001), and net glucose uptake (mumol/kg.min: A, 188 +/- 12; B, 160 +/- 12, NS vs. A; C, 134 +/- 7, P < 0.01 vs. A; dose-response effect: P < 0.0025). At the same time, the ratio of plasma insulin/plasma amylin (mol/mol: A, 72 +/- 6; B, 71 +/- 5; C, 74 +/- 9; NS), the ratio of net glucose uptake/plasma insulin (mumol/kg.min per pmol/liter: A, 0.28 +/- 0.03; B, 0.27 +/- 0.02; C, 0.36 +/- 0.04; NS), and glycogen content of liver, heart, and various hindlimb muscles remained unaffected. The results demonstrate that IGF-I is a potent inhibitor of insulin and amylin release in healthy rats exposed to hyperglycemia and suggest that IGF-I infusion inhibits hormone secretion from pancreatic beta cells at infusion rates that do not affect insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by peripheral tissues.

Islet amyloid polypeptide inhibits insulin secretion in conscious rats

To investigate the effect of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, amylin) exposure on insulin secretion in vivo, the plasma glucose level of conscious rats was clamped at 11.1 mmol/l (hyperglycemic clamp) during the last 2 h of a 24-h infusion study. Group parameters were A, 24-h saline; B and C, 22-h saline followed by 2-h IAPP (B, 8.5 pmol/min; C, 85 pmol/min), and D, 24-h IAPP (85 pmol/min). Induced hyperglycemia increased plasma insulin concentration by 426 +/- 34 pmol/l in control rats (group A). This effect on plasma insulin was reduced by 31% and 53% during short-term IAPP infusion (group B, 8.5 pmol/min, 294 +/- 41 pmol/l; C, 85 pmol/min, 202 +/- 25 pmol/l; short-term effect, P < 0.0001), whereas insulin levels tended to increase after 24 h of continuous IAPP exposure (group D, 682 +/- 120 pmol/l; P < 0.05 vs. group A). Glucose infusion rate required to maintain constant hyperglycemia fell dose dependently during short-term but not during long-term IAPP infusion (mumol.kg-1.min-1: group A, 203 +/- 11; B, 154 +/- 7; C, 119 +/- 7; D, 212 +/- 9; short-term effect, P < 0.0001). In parallel, muscle glycogen content was dose dependently reduced by short-term IAPP exposure. We conclude that IAPP inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and decreases muscle glycogen storage in conscious rats in vivo.

Evidence for phosphoramidon-sensitive cleavage of big endothelin-1 involved in endothelin-stimulated hepatic glucose production

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known to stimulate glycogenolysis in perfused rat livers and isolated rat hepatocytes. To determine the potential action of endothelin's precursor, big endothelin-1 (big ET-1), isolated rat livers were perfused with big ET-1 in a non-recirculating system. Thereby, big ET-1 (10 nM) induced a maximally three-fold increase (P < 0.01 vs. basal values) in hepatic glucose production at 60 min, which was almost completely abolished by concomitant infusion of 50 microM phosphoramidon, a sensitive inhibitor of the enzymatic cleavage of big ET-1 to ET-1. The corresponding incremental release of glucose by big ET-1 was 20.9-fold higher in the absence of phosphoramidon than in its presence (P < 0.01). In contrast, phosphoramidon did not inhibit hepatic glucose production induced by ET-1 (1 nM), glucagon (1 nM), and phenylephrine (5 microM). Glycogenolytic responses to 1 nM ET-1 (P < 0.01), but not to 1 nM glucagon (n.s.) were blocked by indomethacin (100 microM), indicating that prostaglandin release by non-parenchymal cells is at least in part involved in the hepatic ET-1 action. In conclusion, big ET-1 induces hepatic glucose release, which is suggested to depend on intrahepatic conversion of big ET-1 to ET-1 by a phosphoramidon-sensitive pathway.

Insulin resistance caused by amylin in conscious rats is independent of induced hypocalcemia and fades during long-term exposure

To compare the effect of short- vs long-term amylin infusion on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and serum calcemia, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (26 pmol.kg-1 x min-1) and glucose tolerance tests (2.4 mmol/kg over 30 min) were performed in lean Zucker rats. Three infusion protocols were employed: control group: 24 h of i.v. saline; short-term amylin exposure: 22 h of i.v. saline followed by 2 h of i.v. amylin (20 micrograms/h); long-term amylin exposure: 24 h of iv amylin (20 micrograms/h). Insulin resistance was induced by short-term amylin infusion during euglycemic clamping, as shown by a 41% decrease in space-corrected glucose infusion rates (mumol.kg-1 x min-1; control group, 106.0 +/- 15.0; short-term i.v. amylin, 62.7 +/- 15.0; p < 0.005). After long-term amylin exposure, insulin sensitivity was identical to control values (109.9 +/- 6.7). This fading action of amylin was confirmed by data from the glucose tolerance test, demonstrating glucose intolerance after short- but not after long-term amylin exposure. Serum calcium concentration decreased during short-term (2 h) amylin infusion (from 2.52 +/- 0.15 to 2.09 +/- 0.12 mmol/l; p < 0.01) and hypocalcemia of a similar extent also was present after 22 h and 24 h of amylin exposure (2.10 +/- 0.09 and 2.04 +/- 0.14 mmol/l, respectively). The data demonstrate that short-term amylin infusion induces insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, both of which vanish during long-term (> 22 h) amylin exposure, being apparently independent of induced hypocalcemia.

Histochemical changes in pancreatic islets obtained from obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) on a diabetogenic diet. No evidence for non-enzymatic protein glycation in endocrine cells

Genetically obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) on a diabetogenic diet rich in lard and sucrose develop chronic hyperglycemia accompanied by severe hyperinsulinemia. Non-enzymatically glycated protein content was increased in tendon (p < 0.0001) and aorta (p < 0.04), but not nerve, from hyperglycemic rats as compared to normoglycemic lean litter-mates on a conventional chow diet (mmol furosine/mol tyrosine in tissue hydrolysate from 61-week-old rats: tendon, 29.8 +/- 1.8 vs 25.9 +/- 1.3; aorta, 12.0 +/- 1.0 vs 11.0 +/- 1.1). In pancreatic islets, non-enzymatically glycated protein was neither found in lean rats of any age nor in the obese up to an age of 36 weeks. At an age of 61 weeks, non-enzymatically glycated protein accumulated in islets of obese animals, resulting in levels of 17.02-44.65 mmol furosine/mol tyrosine. This rise in islet glycated protein content was not accompanied by a comparable increase in plasma glycemia, but simultaneous histological examination of pancreatic tissue revealed fibrosis of islets. Fibers were probably of collagenic quality without islet amyloid polypeptide immunoreactivity. Because collagen is known to be highly susceptible to non-enzymatic glycation, we suspect that collagenic fibers but not endocrine cells are the main source of glycated protein accumulation in these islets. Hence, our data do not give evidence that non-enzymatic protein glycation plays a role in the islet degeneration occurring in hyperglycemia. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining for various endocrine peptides did not suggest loss of any hormone-producing cell type or defective pancreatic hormone production in hyperglycemic old, obese Zucker rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Non-insulin-like action of sodium orthovanadate in the isolated perfused liver of fed, non-diabetic rats

Vanadium compounds exert insulin-like effects on isolated rat adipocytes and skeletal muscle and improve glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats and mice. However, reports on metabolic actions of vanadium in the liver are still contradictory. Thus, the acute effect of sodium orthovanadate infusion on net glucose production was measured in isolated perfused livers of non-fasting, non-diabetic rats. Continuous infusion (0.2 ml/min; 90 min) of vanadate (10-500 mumol/l) rapidly increased hepatic glucose (p < 0.001), but not cyclic AMP output, reaching peak values after 20 min. The cumulative glucose release displayed concentration dependence with a maximal net effect of 394.3 mumol/100 g body weight and an apparent half-maximal effective vanadate concentration of 19.6 mumol/l. The glycogenolytic response to vanadate was almost completely blocked by 100 mU/l insulin (p < 0.005), by 0.1 mmol/l indomethacin (p < 0.05) and in the absence of Ca2+ (p < 0.001). These results indicate that sodium orthovanadate stimulates glycogenolysis in livers of fed, non-diabetic rats by a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism, which may involve the release of prostaglandins.

Incidence and phenotype restriction of lymphoid BLT-serine protease granules in spontaneously diabetes prone BB rats compared with a normal rat strain

In diabetes prone BB rats a relative increase of serine protease (SP)-positive lymphocytes (39.8 +/- 10%) was observed in peripheral blood at the time of diabetes manifestation (DM) compared with non-diabetic healthy Sprague Dawley control rats (Co: 10.3 +/- 4%), with BB rats at age of premanifestation (PM: 14.7 +/- 4%) and beyond age of expected manifestation (non-diabetic animals, ND: 25.2 +/- 4%). Similar absolute numbers were found in diabetic BB rats in comparison with Sprague Dawley rats. In PM, absolute numbers were lower in comparison with diabetic BB rats. SP granular positivity was found restricted to OX8+ lymphocytes. SP granule-bearing OX8+ lymphocytes were more frequently seen in the BB rat strain (PM: 74.3 +/- 8%; DM: 79.4 +/- 8%; ND: 78 +/- 10%) compared with normal rats (Co: 32.5 +/- 8%). Absolute numbers were lower in PM animals in comparison with DM rats. OX8+ cells were found in a higher relative number in DM animals (49.1 +/- 7%) compared with controls (28.2 +/- 3%), PM (26.3 +/- 5%) and ND (34 +/- 2%) animals. T lymphocytes expressing the W3/25+ marker, invariably negative for SP granules, were present in a higher relative number in ND (49.8 +/- 7%) and the control group (52.3 +/- 10%) compared with PM (31 +/- 8%) and DM (38 +/- 11%) animals. Absolute numbers of the OX39+ lymphocyte subpopulation were decreased in PM and DM-BB rats in comparison with the control group.

Effects of islet amyloid polypeptide on hepatic insulin resistance and glucose production in the isolated perfused rat liver

The impact of (pancreatic) islet amyloid polypeptide on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity was examined in isolated rat livers perfused in a non-recirculating system. Continuous infusion of 10(-7) mol/l islet amyloid polypeptide affected neither basal nor glucagon (10(-9) mol/l)-stimulated glucose output by livers from fed rats, but it did increase the hepatic cyclic AMP release within 44 min (7.91 +/- 12.07 vs control: 0.07 +/- 0.03 pmol x 100 g body weight-1). The effect of the peptide on the ability of insulin to inhibit glucagon-induced hepatic glycogenolysis was measured in three experimental groups (n = 6). As expected glucagon (7 x 10(-11) mol/l) increased integral hepatic glucose release within 84 min (763.4 +/- 161.7 vs -25.7 +/- 73.2 mumol x 100 g body weight-1 in the control group, p less than 0.001), while insulin (100 mU/l) decreased the glucagon-stimulated glucose production (395.2 +/- 180.0 mumol x 100 g body weight-1, p less than 0.01). Simultaneous infusion of 10(-7) mol/l islet amyloid polypeptide however, was not able to reverse insulin-dependent inhibition of glucagon-stimulated hepatic glucose output (370.0 +/- 102.5 mumol x 100 g body weight-1, NS) or to enhance lactate-induced gluconeogenesis of livers from 24 h fasted rats (n = 8). The glucose production stimulated by 10(-9) mol/l glucagon was slightly greater in islet amyloid polypeptide-pre-treated livers than in a control group without addition of islet amyloid polypeptide (5 min: 3.60 +/- 3.36 vs 1.67 +/- 1.28 mumol.min-1 x 100 g body weight-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lifelong sequential changes in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in genetically obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) fed a diabetogenic diet

Life-long sequential changes in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were investigated in genetically obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) fed a diabetogenic diet rich in lard and sucrose. Comparisons were made with lean littermates (Fa/-) receiving normal chow diet. At 3-month intervals, seven to nine lean and obese rats had two permanent venous catheters implanted, allowing stress- and pain-free sampling of blood before, during, and after substrate administration. Intravenous glucose, iv arginine, and oral glucose tolerance were tested. The obese rats progressively developed hyperglycemia and severe hyperinsulinemia; their basal glycemia reached 8.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 5.8 +/- 0.2 mmol/liter in the lean rats at 46 weeks of age; respective insulinemia was 287.7 +/- 61.9 and 18.1 +/- 2.8 mU/liter (mean +/- SD). In the obese rats a distinct loss in glucose tolerance was seen with progression of age in spite of rising stimulated insulin secretion, which suggests progressive development of insulin resistance without exhaustion of B-cell secretory capacity. Absence of insulin deficiency was also suggested by immunohistochemical staining of pancreatic tissue specimens from obese rats, which showed large populations of insulin-containing cells. Like the obese animals, lean rats exhibited a decrease in insulin sensitivity with age. Relating basal individual glycemia and insulinemia, a rise by 1 mmol/liter in glycemia was associated with a 8.8-fold rise in basal insulinemia in lean rats, but only with a 1.8-fold increase in obese rats. Similar correlations for stimulated glycemia and insulinemia suggest impaired glucose sensitivity of pancreatic B-cells in obese vs. lean rats. In conclusion, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats on a diabetogenic diet are not characterized by quantitatively deficient B-cell secretory capacity, but, rather, by impaired B-cell sensitivity to glucose with qualitatively intact regulation of glycemia and insulinemia at elevated plasma concentrations.