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Glucose transporter expression in rat mammary gland
A F Burnol1, A Leturque, M Loizeau
1Centre de Recherche sur la Nutrition du CNRS, Meudon, France.
The Biochemical Journal
|August 15, 1990
Summary
Glucose transporter Glut 1 is highly expressed in lactating rat mammary glands, while Glut 4 diminishes. This suggests insulin regulation of glucose transport is absent during lactation.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Cellular metabolism
- * Endocrinology
Background:
- * Mammary gland development involves significant metabolic shifts.
- * Glucose transporters (Glut) are crucial for cellular energy supply.
- * Insulin typically regulates glucose uptake via Glut 4 in adipocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the expression patterns of glucose transporter isoforms (Glut 1 and Glut 4) during rat mammary gland development and differentiation.
- * To determine the role of insulin in regulating glucose transport in the lactating mammary gland.
Main Methods:
- * Quantitative analysis of Glut 1 and Glut 4 mRNA and protein expression.
- * Comparison of transporter expression across different physiological states: pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation.
Main Results:
- * Both Glut 1 and Glut 4 were detected in the pre-conception mammary gland (adipocyte-rich).
- * Glut 4 expression decreased during pregnancy, while Glut 1 expression increased.
- * Only high levels of Glut 1 were found in the lactating mammary gland, with Glut 4 absent.
Conclusions:
- * Glucose transporter expression changes significantly during mammary gland development and lactation.
- * The high expression of Glut 1 and absence of Glut 4 in lactation suggests insulin-independent glucose transport.
- * Insulin regulation of glucose transport is likely diminished in the lactating rat mammary gland.
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