Metabolic performance and insulin binding of mammary cells isolated from Wistar and Zucker rats

A method for the isolation of cells from lactating mammary gland tissue of rats is described. Metabolic properties of mammary cells isolated by the described method either from Wistar of Zucker rats as well as insulin binding were studied. Whereas synthesis of protein and lipid showed no significant differences, the rate of glucose oxidation is slightly increased in cells isolated from Zucker rats. Incorporation of (14)C-uridine in the RNA-fraction is stimulated by insulin; the half-maximal concentration is given by 5 x 10(-10) mol/1). Specific binding of insulin to both types of cells can be described by a nonlinear Scatchard-plot. The apparent affinity constants for the high affinity receptors (1 x 10(-10) mol/1) correlate well with the described metabolic effect of insulin on RNA-synthesis. The total capacity for insulin binding is reduced in cells isolated from Zucker rats when compared to those from Wistar rats.