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Fatty acid uptake in diabetic rat adipocytes
H Fraser1, S M Coles, J K Woodford
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Diabetic status significantly alters how fat cells take up fatty acids, affecting their plasma membrane properties and lipid composition. This study investigated the mechanisms behind these changes in diabetic rat adipocytes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Adipocyte plasma membrane properties influence fatty acid uptake.
- Diabetic status is known to affect cellular metabolism and membrane function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of diabetic status on adipocyte plasma membrane properties.
- To examine the effect of diabetes on fatty acid uptake mechanisms in adipocytes.
- To elucidate the role of insulin and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (ALBP) in these processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized isolated adipocyte ghost plasma membranes and inhibitors.
- Studied the uptake of 9Z,11E,13E,15Z-octatetraenoic acid (cis-parinaric acid).
- Analyzed membrane structure, lipid composition, and ALBP levels.
Main Results:
- Cis-parinaric acid uptake is protein-mediated, inhibited by trypsin and phloretin, and competes with stearic acid.
- Diabetic rat adipocytes showed a two-fold enhanced initial rate of cis-parinaric acid uptake.
- Significant alterations in adipocyte membrane structure and lipid composition were observed in diabetic rats.
- The enhanced uptake was not fully explained by membrane changes or decreased ALBP, suggesting a role for fatty acid efflux.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic status profoundly impacts adipocyte fatty acid uptake.
- Plasma membrane structure, lipid composition, and ALBP levels are significantly altered in diabetic adipocytes.
- The mechanisms driving increased fatty acid uptake in diabetes require further investigation, potentially involving fatty acid efflux.