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Horm Metab Res 1999; 31(9): 508-513
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-978785
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Expression of GLUT4 Glucose Transporter Protein in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle from Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats

K. Yamada1 , K. Yamakawa2 , Y. Terada1 , K. Kawaguchi1 , A. Sugaya1 , T. Sugiyama1 , N. Toyoda1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, Japan
  • 2Department of Urology, Mie University School of Medicine, Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Publication History

1998

1999

Publication Date:
20 April 2007 (online)

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Depletion of GLUT4, the primary glucose transporter protein in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, is reported to contribute to insulin resistance in pregnancy or diabetes. To examine this phenomenon, the expression of GLUT4 protein was assessed by Western blotting in streptozotocin-induced diabetic pregnant rats. In adipose tissue, relative to control, it was decreased by 30% in the normal pregnant group (p < 0.001), by 37% in the diabetic nonpregnant group (p < 0.01) and by 65% in the diabetic pregnant group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, no significant variation was evident among the groups in skeletal muscle. To assess the mechanisms responsible for depletion of GLUT4 protein in adipose tissue, we quantitated levels of GLUT4 mRNA with a RNase protection assay. It was decreased by 44% in the normal pregnant group (p < 0.05) and by 55% in the diabetic pregnant group (p < 0.05), but not altered in the diabetic nonpregnant group. These results suggest that the depletion of GLUT4 protein in adipose tissue is a factor contributing to insulin resistance in pregnancy or diabetes, especially when the two states exist in combination.

Key words

Rat - GLUT4 - Pregnancy - Adipose Tissue - Skeletal Muscle - Streptozotocin