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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice
Published on: May 16, 2021
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor treatment increases the skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 protein expression in
M Suwa1, K-I Yamamoto, H Nakano
1Faculty of Life Design, Tohoku Institute of Technology, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. suwa-m@tohtech.ac.jp
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment induced metabolic adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle. BDNF (20 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously for successive 14 days. BDNF treatment significantly reduced the total food intake and inhibited the weight gain in comparison to the control group. The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly increased by BDNF treatment in comparison to the control and pair-fed groups. Neither the oxidative nor the glycolytic enzyme activities in the gastrocnemius muscle changed after the BDNF treatment. These results suggest that the peripheral BDNF treatment promotes the skeletal muscle GLUT4 protein expression as well as hypophagia.
Insights
Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment reduced food intake and weight gain in mice. BDNF also increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in skeletal muscle, suggesting metabolic adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Adaptations
- Neuroscience
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in neuronal survival and plasticity.
- Investigating peripheral BDNF's impact on metabolic processes is crucial for understanding its broader physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) administration induces metabolic adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle.
- To examine the effects of BDNF on food intake, body weight, and key metabolic markers in muscle tissue.
Main Methods:
- Mice received daily subcutaneous injections of BDNF (20 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days.
- Measurements included total food intake, body weight changes, and protein expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in gastrocnemius muscle.
- Activities of oxidative and glycolytic enzymes in the gastrocnemius muscle were also assessed.
Main Results:
- BDNF treatment significantly decreased total food intake and inhibited weight gain compared to controls.
- Skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) showed a significant increase in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression after BDNF treatment.
- No significant changes were observed in the activities of oxidative or glycolytic enzymes in the gastrocnemius muscle.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral BDNF administration promotes skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression.
- BDNF treatment leads to hypophagia (reduced appetite) and subsequent weight management in mice.
- These findings highlight a potential role for peripheral BDNF in regulating energy balance and glucose metabolism.
