Maintenance of 3T3-L1 cells in culture media containing saturated fatty acids decreases insulin binding and insulin action

Abstract

To modify cellular and membrane lipid composition, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipose cells were maintained in media containing dialyzedfetal calf serum supplemented with a variety of fatty acids. Cells exposed to saturated fatty acids exhibited up to an 80% decrease in insulin binding and insulin stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, whereas cells exposed to monounsaturated fatty acids of the same chain length showed less change. The decrease in insulin binding appeared to be due to changes in both receptor number and affinity. Maximal insulin stimulation of deoxyglucose was decreased with little change in sensitivity to insulin. There was an excellent correlation between the inhibition of both insulin binding and insulin action by the fatty acids tested. These results suggest that modification of cellular lipids can produce profound effects on both insulin binding and insulin action.