INSULIN EFFECT UPON INVITRO GLUCOSE-UPTAKE BY WHITE RAT THYMUS DURING AGE - AND HYDROCORTISONE - INDUCED THYMUS INVOLUTION

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 36  (5) , 251-257
Abstract
Insulin at a physiological concentration (10-3 IU/ml incubation medium) did not modify thymic glucose uptake in young rats, but increased thymic glucose uptake in older animals. Insulin at the same concentration enhanced thymic glucose uptake which underwent an accidental hydrocortisone-induced involution. Similarly, the effect of insulin on insulin dependent peripheral tissues (diaphragm and epididymal fat pad) was followed. The presence of cystine (4.13 .mu.mol/ml) in the incubation medium increased thymic glucose consumption in young rats. This fact is discussed on the basis of the .sbd.S.sbd.S.sbd. bond-protecting effect of cystine against the destroying effect of free .sbd.SH groups released from the thymus into the incubation medium.

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