In vitro effects of insulin on liver lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas

Abstract

1. 1. The effects of mammalian insulin on in vitro liver carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the cyprinid teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas, were examined. 2. 2. Time course studies showed that the effects of insulin on liver lipid metabolism can be observed after 2 hr of incubation at 12°C and after 4 hr at 25°C. 3. 3. Insulin promotes lipogenesis in liver slices of Notemigonus at 12 and 25°C. A dose response was noted at 12°C, but not at 25°C. 4. 4. Glycogen deposition is stimulated in liver slices incubated with insulin at 12 and 25°C; the effects of the hormone are dose dependent at 12°C. 5. 5. Liver glycogen and lipid deposition occur in fish acclimated to 12°C, but in fish acclimated to 25°C both glycogen and lipid reserves are depleted from the liver. The effects of insulin on liver carbohydrate and lipid metabolism at 12 and 25°C appear to be quantitatively rather than qualitatively different.