Okadaic acid increases glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by stimulating glucose transporter 1 expression

We present evidence that chronic 24 hour treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid increases deoxyglucose uptake 25 fold with a maximal effect at a concentration of 35nM. This pharmacological response is associated with a 21 fold increase in expression of glucose transporter 1 (glut 1) mRNA. These findings are discussed with respect to glucose transporter gene regulation and insulin signalling and are compared to previous observations describing the acute effects of okadaic acid on glucose transporter translocation.