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Glucose transporter 2 concentrations in hyper- and hypothyroid rat livers
T Mokuno1, K Uchimura, R Hayashi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|January 30, 1999
Summary
Thyroid disorders alter glucose metabolism. Increased liver glucose transporter 2 (GLUT 2) in hyperthyroidism contributes to impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting GLUT 2
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is linked to impaired glucose metabolism.
- Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT 2) facilitates glucose transport in the liver and pancreas.
- The role of GLUT 2 in thyroid disorder-related metabolic dysfunction requires elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of thyroid dysfunction on liver GLUT 2 levels.
- To correlate changes in GLUT 2 with glucose metabolism abnormalities in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rats.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid dysfunction was induced in rats using l-thyroxine (hyperthyroidism) or methimazole (hypothyroidism).
- Western blotting and densitometry were employed to quantify GLUT 2 levels in liver plasma membranes.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroid rats exhibited impaired glucose tolerance (oxyhyperglycemic curve).
- Hypothyroid rats displayed a flattened glucose tolerance curve.
- Liver GLUT 2 levels were significantly elevated in hyperthyroid rats compared to euthyroid controls.
- GLUT 2 levels were not reduced in hypothyroid rats.
Conclusions:
- Elevated liver GLUT 2 concentration in hyperthyroidism may contribute to abnormal glucose metabolism.
- Changes in liver GLUT 2 are implicated in the metabolic disturbances associated with thyroid disorders.