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F Rinninger

Publications and source records attributed to F Rinninger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Annexin VI, a marker protein of hepatocytic endosomes.

Three highly purified endosomal fractions from rat liver were used to purify and characterize a major protein of endosomal membranes. Intravenously injected ligands, which are taken up via receptor-mediated endocytosis, accumulate first in the fraction of intermediate density, the compartment of uncoupling of receptors and ligands. The high density membranous fraction is highly enriched in a receptor recycling compartment. The endosomal fraction of lowest density is composed of multivesicular bodies, which appear to be the immediate prelysosomal compartment. The most prominent membrane protein of these endosomes is one of 68 kDa, as revealed by silver and Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining of SDS-gel electrophoretograms. This protein dominates profiles obtained from purified membranes of the compartment of uncoupling of receptors and ligands, multivesicular bodies, and receptor recycling compartment, but is greatly reduced in those obtained from plasma membranes and lysosomes. The 68-kDa protein was purified from endosomes and digested with trypsin, and cleavage products were analyzed by protein sequencing. The tryptic fragments of the endosomal 68-kDa protein share 96% identity with corresponding sequences of mouse annexin VI and 91% identity with sequences of human annexin VI. Using immunoblots, high concentrations of annexin VI with an apparent molecular mass of 68 kDa were detected in endosomal membranes by specific antiserum to annexin VI. Significant amounts of annexin VI were also detected in Golgi membranes. Yet, the concentration was substantially lower than that of the three endosomal fractions. The association of annexin VI with endosomal membranes is calcium-dependent, as revealed by the complete solubilization from endosomal membranes by EGTA. Incubation of intact endosomes with Pronase leads to a complete degradation of annexin VI without any detectable disintegration of proteins localized on the luminal surface of endosomal membranes. Evidently, annexin VI is localized on the cytoplasmatic leaflet of the membrane of endosomes and may be of significance for their intracellular trafficking.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters and high-density lipoprotein particle uptake by human monocyte-macrophages.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters (CE) are taken up by many cells without parallel uptake of HDL apolipoproteins. This selective uptake of HDL CE was investigated in human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMM). HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21 g/ml) was labeled in its apolipoprotein A-I moiety with 125I and in its CE moiety with [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether. Cultured human monocyte-macrophages were incubated in the presence of doubly labeled HDL3 followed by determination of tracer uptake. HMM took up HDL3 particles as indicated by the uptake of HDL3 apolipoproteins. Uptake of HDL3-associated CE tracer was in significant excess of that due to HDL3 particle uptake indicating selective uptake of CE. Increased cell cholesterol due to preincubation with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) down-regulated selective uptake by HMM. According to several experimental approaches, selective uptake of HDL3 CE was independent from cell-secreted products, LDL receptor-mediated endocytosis or HDL3 retroendocytosis. The intracellular catabolism of HDL3 CE was investigated with HDL3 labeled in its CE moiety with [3H]cholesteryl oleate. The lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine had no effect on CE hydrolysis indicating that CE selectively taken up is hydrolyzed independently from lysosomes. In conclusion, HMM selectively take up HDL3-associated CE. The cellular mechanism of selective uptake is independent from endocytosis or retroendocytosis. Intracellularly, HDL3 CE selectively taken up are catabolized independently from lysosomes.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

Selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters by human hepatocytes in primary culture.

High-density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters are taken up by many cells without simultaneous uptake of high-density lipoprotein apolipoproteins. This selective uptake was investigated in human hepatocytes in primary culture. Human high-density lipoprotein-3 (density, 1.125 to 1.21 gm/ml) was radiolabeled in both its apolipoprotein and in its cholesteryl ester moiety; uptake of these high-density lipoprotein3 tracers by hepatocytes was investigated. Apparent high-density lipoprotein3 particle uptake as measured with the cholesteryl ester tracer was in excess of that from the apolipoprotein tracer, indicating selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein3 cholesteryl esters by hepatocytes. This selective uptake is a regulated pathway in hepatocytes, as demonstrated by an inverse relationship between cell cholesterol and the rate of selective uptake. Studies on the mechanism of selective uptake have used inhibitors such as monensin, chloroquine, heparin, and a monoclonal antibody directed against low-density lipoprotein receptors. These experiments provide no evidence for a role of cell-secreted apolipoprotein E, endocytosis or retroendocytosis in selective uptake. The intracellular fate of high-density lipoprotein3-associated cholesteryl esters was investigated with [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled high-density lipoprotein3. Hepatocytes hydrolyzed [3H]cholesteryl oleate internalized from labeled high-density lipoprotein3; this catabolism was not inhibited by the presence of chloroquine. In parallel hepatocytes were incubated with [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled low-density lipoprotein. Cells hydrolyzed [3H]cholesteryl oleate taken up with low-density lipoprotein; however, this hydrolysis was inhibited by chloroquine, indicating lysosomal low-density lipoprotein cholesteryl ester catabolism. These experiments show that high-density lipoprotein3 cholesteryl esters selectively taken up by hepatocytes are hydrolyzed independently from the classical lysosomal catabolic pathway. The question was addressed if selective uptake mediates a net mass uptake of cholesterol rather than an isotope exchange phenomenon. Incubation of hepatocytes with high-density lipoprotein-3 suppressed endogenous sterol synthesis from sodium [14C]acetate. Hepatocytes were incubated in the presence of high-density lipoprotein3; medium cholesteryl esters decreased as a result of incubation with hepatocytes. These results show a net mass delivery of high-density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters to hepatocytes. In conclusion, the pathway for selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters could be demonstrated in human hepatocytes in primary culture. A role for selective uptake in high-density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol delivery to the liver in human beings in vivo is proposed.

Animals↗

A pool of reversibly cell-associated cholesteryl esters involved in the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoproteins by Hep G2 hepatoma cells.

Selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters without parallel uptake of HDL apolipoproteins occurs by a non-endocytotic pathway that results in net delivery of cholesteryl esters to cells. With respect to the cellular mechanism of this pathway, previous studies with adrenal cells showed a cholesteryl ester pool that is reversibly associated with cells and which appears to mediate irreversible selective uptake. A cholesteryl ester pool with similar properties was observed in plasma membranes isolated from adrenal cells, suggesting that this is the site of the cellular pool. Human Hep G2 hepatoma cells also selectively take up HDL cholesteryl esters. Therefore we asked if these cells have a reversibly cell-associated cholesteryl ester pool as well that could mediate irreversible selective uptake. To do this, human HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21 g/ml) was labeled in both its protein and cholesteryl ester moieties. Uptake of HDL3 tracers by Hep G2 cells was then studied. After an uptake incubation in the presence of labeled HDL3, either cellular uptake of tracers was immediately determined or cells were 'chase' incubated in the presence of unlabeled HDL before determination of cellular tracer content. Hep G2 cells selectively took up HDL3 cholesteryl esters under these conditions. However, a fraction of cholesteryl ester tracer selectively taken up was chased from the cells by subsequent incubation in the presence of unlabeled HDL. This reversible pool of cholesteryl ester tracer was distinct from that irreversibly internalized, and in excess of that accounted for by dissociation of labeled HDL3 particles bound to the cell surface. Selective uptake was down-regulated by prior incubation with LDL, and cholesteryl ester tracer in the reversible pool was down-regulated in parallel. Plasma membranes were isolated from Hep G2 cells and incubated with doubly labeled HDL3. HDL3 particles bound to these membranes, as indicated by the apolipoprotein tracer. However, HDL cholesteryl esters associated with plasma membranes in excess on that accounted for by HDL3 particles. This selective association of HDL3 cholesteryl ester tracer with membranes was reversible, and the tracer was chased during incubation in the presence of unlabeled HDL. These results suggest that, as with steroidogenic cells, a reversible pool of cholesteryl esters localized in the plasma membrane is involved in selective uptake of HDL3 cholesteryl esters by hepatic cells at a step prior to irreversible internalization.

Animals↗

Selective association of lipoprotein cholesteryl esters with liver plasma membranes.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters are taken up by hepatocytes without parallel uptake of HDL apolipoproteins. This selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters is mediated by a non-endocytotic mechanism. Recently, selective uptake of cholesteryl esters also from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was demonstrated. In this study, the role of the plasma membrane in selective uptake by the liver was investigated. Plasma membranes were prepared from rat liver or from human Hep G2 hepatoma cells. Human HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21 g/ml) was either radioiodinated or labeled with [3H]cholesteryl oleate. Human low-density lipoprotein (d = 1.019-1.05 g/ml) was labeled in its protein and in its lipid moiety as well. Labeled lipoproteins, unlabeled lipoproteins and membranes were incubated. After separation by ultracentrifugation, apparent lipoprotein particle association with membranes was determined. Plasma membranes from rat liver and Hep G2 cells bound 125I-HDL3, indicating specific HDL3 particle binding. With both types of membrane, apparent HDL3 particle association according to [3H]cholesteryl oleate-labeled HDL3 was in significant excess on that due to 125I-HDL3. This indicates selective, i.e., particle binding independent, association of cholesteryl esters with the membrane. Excess unlabeled HDL3 competed for selective association, indicating a specific process. Selective association of HDL3 cholesteryl esters was concentration-, time-, temperature-dependent; however, parameters differed from HDL3 particle binding. HDL3 was modified by nitration; this modification inhibited HDL3 particle binding in contrast to unchanged selective association. These results suggested distinct membrane sites for HDL3 particle binding and selective cholesteryl ester association. Regulation of selective association was investigated. Hep G2 cells were cholesterol-loaded or cholesterol-depleted. Cellular cholesterol-loading down-regulated selective association of HDL3 cholesteryl esters with isolated membranes prepared from these cells. In parallel, selective uptake of HDL3 cholesteryl esters by Hep G2 cells was down-regulated in cholesterol-loaded cells. This parallel regulation of selective association with membranes and selective uptake by cells suggests a functional relationship. LDL, radiolabeled in its protein and in its lipid moiety, was incubated with liver plasma membranes. Besides LDL holo-particle receptor binding, also LDL cholesteryl esters were selectively associated with membranes. These data showed that selective association with membranes is not restricted to HDL but can occur from LDL as well. It is concluded that HDL3 as well as LDL cholesteryl esters can selectively be associated with hepatic plasma membranes, i.e., independent from particle binding. Results suggest an important role of the plasma membrane in the mechanism of selective cholesteryl ester uptake by the liver.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Dissection of compartments in rat hepatocytes involved in the intracellular trafficking of high-density lipoprotein particles or their selectively internalized cholesteryl esters.

The trafficking of apolipoprotein E-deficient high-density lipoprotein particles and of their component cholesteryl esters in rat hepatocytes was studied. Human high-density lipoprotein 3, labeled with two nondegradable, intracellularly trapped tracers in their apolipoprotein A-I and their cholesteryl esters, were injected into rats, and five subcellular hepatocytic fractions were isolated at various time intervals. In control experiments with homologous lipoproteins, doubly labeled rat high-density lipoproteins depleted of apolipoprotein E were used. In endosomes and lysosomes the two labels were recovered at near unity, indicating that high-density lipoproteins are endocytosed as particles, transported to early and late endosomes and finally subjected to lysosomal degradation. No significant amounts of label were found in receptor-recycling endosomes. In contrast to label of those of low-density lipoproteins, label of component protein and cholesteryl esters of high-density lipoproteins from isolated endosomes floated at different densities in gradient ultracentrifugation, indicating early disintegration of high-density lipoprotein particles. In contrast to the endocytic organelles, in the whole liver, label of high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters exceeded the label of high-density lipoprotein-associated apolipoprotein A-I twofold to threefold. This finding is compatible with selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters in addition to uptake of high-density lipoprotein particles. The excess cholesteryl esters accumulated in a nonendosomal fraction, whose major proteins differed from the integral proteins of endosomes. These data suggest two distinct intracellular routes of hepatocytic high-density lipoprotein trafficking in vivo. High-density lipoproteins free of apolipoprotein E are internalized intact by hepatocytes, are predominantly transported to early and late endosomes and are finally subjected to lysosomal degradation. High-density lipoprotein particles do not undergo retroendocytosis in hepatocytes. In addition, high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters can be taken up by hepatocytes selectively. They, however, accumulate in a nonendosomal, nonlysosomal compartment.

Animals↗

Regulation of the hepatic removal of chylomicron remnants and beta-very low density lipoproteins in the rat.

The contribution of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor to the removal of chylomicron remnants was determined in vitro and in vivo by using interventions that up- or down-regulate the LDL receptor but not the LDL receptor-related protein (LRP). In vitro, chylomicron remnants and beta-very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) bind to the LDL receptor on endosomal membranes; their binding can be competed by LDL and beta-VLDL and the binding capacity is greatly augmented in membranes from estradiol-treated rats. Likewise, estradiol treatment almost doubled the removal of chylomicron remnants during a single pass through perfused rat livers. However, in vivo the removal of chylomicron remnants and beta-VLDL was very rapid even in untreated rats so that the effect of the stimulation by estradiol was barely detectable when trace amounts of lipoproteins were injected. Yet, when saturating doses of either lipoprotein were injected, the effect of estradiol treatment on the removal of chylomicron remnants and beta-VLDL was readily disclosed. In rats fed a diet containing lard, cholesterol, and bile acids, removal of chylomicron remnants or beta-VLDL was significantly retarded. Likewise, perfused livers from diet-fed rats removed only a mean of 16% of chylomicron remnants during a single passage as compared to 29% in livers from control animals. Also, when large doses of beta-VLDL had been infused into rats for 4 h, in subsequent perfusions of the livers the removal of chylomicron remnants was decreased to 11%. From these results it is concluded that the LDL receptor mediates the hepatic removal of a major fraction of chylomicron remnants and beta-VLDL.

Animals↗

High-density lipoprotein particle uptake and selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters by J774 macrophages.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters are taken up by fibroblasts via HDL particle uptake and via selective uptake, i.e., cholesteryl ester uptake independent of HDL particle uptake. In the present study we investigated HDL selective uptake and HDL particle uptake by J774 macrophages. HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21 g/ml) was labeled with intracellularly trapped tracers: 125I-labeled N-methyltyramine-cellobiose-apo A-I (125I-NMTC-apo A-I) to trace apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether to trace cholesteryl esters. J774 macrophages, incubated at 37 degrees C in medium containing doubly labeled HDL3, took up 125I-NMTC-apo A-I, indicating HDL3 particle uptake (102.7 ng HDL3 protein/mg cell protein per 4 h at 20 micrograms/ml HDL3 protein). Apparent HDL3 uptake according to the uptake of [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether (470.4 ng HDL3 protein/mg cell protein per 4 h at 20 micrograms/ml HDL3 protein) was in significant excess on 125I-NMTC-apo A-I uptake, i.e., J774 macrophages demonstrated selective uptake of HDL3 cholesteryl esters. To investigate regulation of HDL3 uptake, cell cholesterol was modified by preincubation with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or acetylated LDL (acetyl-LDL). Afterwards, uptake of doubly labeled HDL3, LDL (apo B,E) receptor activity or cholesterol mass were determined. Preincubation with LDL or acetyl-LDL increased cell cholesterol up to approx. 3.5-fold over basal levels. Increased cell cholesterol had no effect on HDL3 particle uptake. In contrast, LDL- and acetyl-LDL-loading decreased selective uptake (apparent uptake 606 vs. 366 ng HDL3 protein/mg cell protein per 4 h in unloaded versus acetyl-LDL-loaded cells at 20 micrograms HDL3 protein/ml). In parallel with decreased selective uptake, specific 125I-LDL degradation was down-regulated. Using heparin as well as excess unlabeled LDL, it was shown that HDL3 uptake is independent of LDL (apo B,E) receptors. In summary, J774 macrophages take up HDL3 particles. In addition, J774 cells also selectively take up HDL3-associated cholesteryl esters. HDL3 selective uptake, but not HDL3 particle uptake, can be regulated.

Animals↗

Mechanism of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein-mediated uptake of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters by Hep G2 cells.

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl esters (CE) between lipoproteins and was reported to also directly mediate the uptake of high density lipoprotein (HDL) CE by human Hep G2 cells and fibroblasts. The present study investigates that uptake and its relationship to a pathway for "selective uptake" of HDL CE that does not require CETP. HDL3 labeled in both the CE and apoprotein moieties was incubated with Hep G2 cells. During 4-h incubations, CE tracer was selectively taken up from doubly labeled HDL3 in excess of apoA-I tracer, and added CETP did not modify that uptake. However, during 18-20-h incubations, CETP stimulated the uptake of CE tracer more than 4-fold without modifying the uptake of apoA-I tracer. This suggested that secreted products, perhaps lipoproteins, might be required for the CETP effect. Four inhibitors of lipoprotein uptake via low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors (heparin, monensin, an antibody against the LDL receptor, and antibodies against the receptor binding domains of apoB and apoE) effectively blocked the CETP stimulation of CE tracer uptake. Heparin caused an increase in CE tracer in a d less than 1.063 g/ml fraction of the medium that more than accounted for the heparin blockade of CETP-stimulated CE uptake. CETP did not affect the uptake of doubly labeled HDL3 by human fibroblasts, even at twice plasma levels of activity, and heparin did not modify uptake of HDL3 tracers. Thus the CETP effect on Hep G2 cells can be accounted for by transfer of HDL CE to secreted lipoproteins which are then retaken up, and there is no evidence for a direct effect of CETP on cellular uptake of HDL CE.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Regulation of the selective uptake of high density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters by human fibroblasts and Hep G2 hepatoma cells.

We have previously shown that the liver and steroidogenic tissues of rats in vivo and a wider range of cells in vitro, including human cells, selectively take up high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters without parallel uptake of HDL particles. This process is regulated in tissues of rats and in cultured rat cells according to their cholesterol status. In the present study, we examined regulation of HDL selective uptake in cultured human fibroblasts and Hep G2 hepatoma cells. The cholesterol content of these cells was modified by a 20-hr incubation with either low density lipoprotein (LDL) or free cholesterol. Uptake of HDL components was examined in a subsequent 4-6-hr assay using intracellularly trapped tracers: 125I-labeled N-methyl-tyramine-cellobiose-apoA-I (125I-NMTC-apoA-I) to trace apoA-I, and [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether to trace cholesteryl esters. In the case of fibroblasts, pretreatment with either LDL or free cholesterol resulted in decreased selective uptake (total [3H]cholesteryl ether uptake minus that due to particle uptake as measured by 125I-NMTC-apoA-I). In contrast, HDL particle uptake increased with either form of cholesterol loading. The amount of HDL that was reversibly cell-associated (bound) was increased by prior exposure to free cholesterol, but was decreased by prior exposure to LDL. In the case of Hep G2 cells, exposure to free cholesterol only slightly increased HDL particle uptake; selective uptake decreased after both forms of cholesterol loading, and reversibly bound HDL increased after exposure to free cholesterol, but either did not change or decreased after exposure to LDL. It was excluded that either LDL carried over into the HDL uptake assay or that products secreted by the cultured cells influenced these results. Thus, selective uptake by cells of both hepatic and extrahepatic origin was down-regulated by cholesterol loading, under which conditions HDL particle uptake increased. Total HDL binding was not directly correlated with either the rate of selective uptake or the rate of HDL particle uptake or the cholesterol status of the cells, suggesting more than one type of HDL binding site.

Animals↗

Regulation of the selective uptake of high density lipoprotein-associated cholesteryl esters.

We have previously shown in rats that the cholesteryl ester component of high density lipoproteins (HDL) is taken up at a greater fractional rate than is the apolipoprotein A-I component (selective uptake) by liver and steroidogenic tissues. Selective uptake was also exhibited by cultured cells from these organs as well as by a wider range of cells in vitro (e.g., rat and human fibroblasts). We report here regulation of this pathway according to the cholesterol status of cells. Uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters by rat fibroblasts was decreased by prior loading of the cells with cholesterol, even while uptake of HDL-associated apoA-I actually increased. At high levels of cholesterol, the two were taken up about in parallel, i.e., selective uptake was suppressed. A similar regulation of selective uptake in primary rat hepatocytes in culture was not observed. To examine regulation of selective uptake in vivo, hypocholesterolemia was induced in rats using either 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine or 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol. Rat HDL, doubly labeled in both the apoprotein A-I and cholesteryl ester moieties with intracellularly trapped tracers, were injected into untreated and treated rats. The plasma decay kinetics and the tissue sites of uptake were then determined. Hypocholesterolemia increased the plasma fractional catabolic rates of both tracers. Selective uptake was observed in tissues of treated rats that did not exhibit selective uptake in untreated rats (muscle, adipose tissue, and skin). Similarly, hypocholesterolemia increased the contribution of selective uptake to total HDL cholesteryl ester uptake by adrenal and ovary. In contrast, regulation of selective uptake by liver could not be demonstrated under these conditions. Thus, selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters can be regulated in extrahepatic tissues of rats in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a role for selective uptake in the maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in these tissues.

Adenine↗

Lack of a lipoprotein-induced insulin resistance in hepatoma cells in culture.

A lipoprotein-induced resistance to the action of insulin has been postulated. To test this hypothesis, cultured rat-derived hepatoma cells, designated FAO, and human-derived hepatoma cells, designated HEP-G2, were incubated for 20 h in the presence or absence of lipoprotein; specific 125I-insulin receptor binding and labeled glucose incorporation into glycogen were then measured. Very low density lipoproteins (d less than 1.006 g/ml) in physiologic (0.5 mg/ml) or pathophysiologic (5 mg/ml) concentrations did not modify insulin receptor binding of FAO or HEP-G2 cells. This was true for very low density lipoproteins derived from normal human, diabetic human, and streptozotocin-diabetic rat plasma. Low density lipoproteins (d = 1.019 - 1.063 g/ml) isolated from normal human plasma similarly failed to modify insulin receptor binding. Concerning insulin action, the different very low density lipoprotein preparations did not modulate either basal or insulin-stimulated glucose incorporation into glycogen of the cells. Thus, very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins did not induce insulin resistance in cultured hepatoma cells either at the insulin receptor level or at the post-receptor level.

Animals↗

Protein kinase activity of the insulin receptor from muscle.

The insulin receptor is associated with a protein kinase activity. This has been shown for the receptor of liver, fat, and some other tissues which are not primary targets of insulin action. Here kinase activity is demonstrated for the insulin receptor of rat skeletal and cardiac muscle with similar characteristics. Insulin (10(-7) mol/l) stimulates phosphorylation of the 95-kDa receptor subunit 3- to 18-fold. The effect is detectable at 10(-10) mol/l insulin; the ED50 is approx. 3 X 10(-9) mol/l. The kinase phosphorylates exogenous substrate as well, and it is recovered after immunoprecipitation of the receptor with antireceptor antibody suggesting that kinase activity is intrinsic to the muscle receptor.

Actins↗

Extrapancreatic action of the sulphonylurea gliquidone: post-receptor effect on insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis in rat hepatocytes in primary culture.

The effects of a sulphonylurea, gliquidone, on insulin binding and the insulin induced rate of glycogen synthesis, were studied in rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Hepatocytes were cultured for 48 h. During the second 24 h of this period, the hepatocytes were incubated with or without gliquidone (5 mg/l). The binding of 125I-insulin and the insulin stimulation of glycogen synthesis from 14C-glucose were measured. Gliquidone influenced neither insulin binding nor the basal rate of glycogen synthesis, but it did enhance the effect of insulin on glycogen synthesis. Responsiveness was increased by gliquidone at all insulin concentrations used (10-10,000 mU/l); at 1000 mU/l the drug increased glycogen synthesis from 310 to 430% above the basal rate. Half-maximal stimulation was reached in control cells at an insulin concentration of 95 mU/l and in gliquidone-treated cells at 94 mU/l, which indicates unchanged insulin sensitivity. Based on these experiments with cultured rat hepatocytes it appears that the extrapancreatic action of gliquidone is not mediated by an effect on insulin binding.

Animals↗