METABOLISM OF ADIPOSE TISSUEIN VITRO:NUTRITIONAL FACTORS AND EFFECT OF INSULIN

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Abstract
The in vitro glucose utilization and O2 consumption by adipose tissue of rats, as well as the effect of insulin on both processes, were studied. Tissues were taken from animals subjected to various nutritional conditions. Oxygen consumption by mesenteric adipose tissue of rats increased with fasting up to 4 days. It was further increased by refeeding after the fast. Glucose utilization by mesenteric tissue was not markedly influenced by most of the various nutritional conditions studied. Insulin increased glucose utilization by mesenteric tissue to a greater extent in fasted rats (4-5 days) than in fed rats. Refeeding especially with a carbohydrate-rich diet, further intensified this effect of insulin. Insulin however had no significant effect on O2 consumption of adipose tissue in these experiments. It is concluded that the nutritional state of the animal is important in determining the metabolic activity and sensitivity to insulin of adipose tissue.