Akt2-Dependent Beneficial Effect of Galanin on Insulin-Induced Glucose Uptake in Adipocytes of Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background/Aims: Glucose uptake occurs via the activation of an insulin-signaling cascade, resulting in the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane of adipocytes and myocytes. Recent research found that galanin could boost insulin-induced glucose uptake. This study aimed to explore whether activation of Akt2 mediates the beneficial effects of galanin on insulin-induced glucose uptake in the adipocytes of diabetic rats. Method: In this experiment, insulin, galanin and MK-2206, an Akt inhibitor, were injected individually or in combination into diabetic rats once a day for ten days. Then, glucose uptake and pAkt2 and its downstream proteins were examined in adipocytes. Results: Administration of galanin significantly enhanced insulin-induced 2-Deoxy-D-[³H]glucose uptake; GLUT4 and vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 contents in plasma membranes; and pAkt2^{Thr308/Ser473} and Akt2 mRNA expression levels in adipocytes. In addition, Akt2 downstream proteins including phosphorylated AS160 were increased, but the levels of phosphorylated forkhead box O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β were reduced. Treatment with MK-2206 may block the beneficial effects of galanin on these insulin-induced events. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that phosphorylation of Akt2 mediates the beneficial effects of galanin on insulin-induced glucose uptake in the adipocytes of diabetic rats.