Long-term normalization of GLUT 4 protein content in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-diabetic Lewis rats after islet transplantation
Weitgasser, R.; Davalli, A.M.; Napoli, R.; Capotorto, J.V.; Finegood, D.T.; Bonner-Weir, S.; Weir, G.C.
Transplantation Proceedings 27(6): 3184-3185
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-1345 PMID: 8539901 Document Number: 444656
Islet transplantation under the kidney capsule of STZ-diabetic Lewis rats was able to maintain near-normoglycemia over a period of 6 months. Fasting insulin in these animals was higher compared to controls but did not increase after feeding. Plasma glucose following an OGTT at 2 months was only slightly impaired, and after 6 months was more severely impaired in the Tx rats. An IVGTT 6 months after Tx confirmed impaired glucose tolerance and showed a loss of first phase insulin release. GLUT 4 protein content in skeletal muscle was completely restored in Tx animals. In conclusion, long-term near-normoglycemia after syngeneic islet transplantation under the kidney capsule of STZ-diabetic Lewis rats is associated with complete normalization of skeletal muscle GLUT 4 protein content, even in the presence of abnormal glucose tolerance and impaired insulin secretion.