Insulin-stimulated Myocardial Glucose Uptake Research Articles

Reduction in Global Myocardial Glucose Metabolism in Subjects With 1-Hour Postload Hyperglycemia and Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Impaired insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake has occurred in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without coronary artery disease. Whether cardiac insulin resistance is present remains uncertain in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes, such as individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 1-h postload glucose ≥155 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (NGT 1-h high). This issue was examined in this study. The myocardial metabolic rate of glucose (MRGlu) was measured by using dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in 30 volunteers without coronary artery disease. Three groups were studied: 1) those with 1-h postload glucose <155 mg/dL (NGT 1-h low) (n = 10), 2) those with NGT 1-h high (n = 10), 3) and those with IGT (n = 10). After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, both subjects with NGT 1-h high (23.7 ± 6.4 mmol/min/100 mg; P = 0.024) and those with IGT (16.4 ± 6.0 mmol/min/100 mg; P < 0.0001) exhibited a significant reduction in global myocardial MRGlu; this value was 32.8 ± 9.7 mmol/min/100 mg in subjects with NGT 1-h low. Univariate correlations showed that MRGlu was positively correlated with insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose disposal (r = 0.441; P = 0.019) and negatively correlated with 1-h (r = -0.422; P = 0.025) and 2-h (r = -0.374; P = 0.05) postload glucose levels, but not with fasting glucose. This study shows that myocardial insulin resistance is an early defect that is already detectable in individuals with dysglycemic conditions associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, such as IGT and NGT 1-h high.

Sprint interval training decreases left-ventricular glucose uptake compared to moderate-intensity continuous training in subjects with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced myocardial glucose uptake (GU) and increased free fatty acid uptake (FFAU). Sprint interval training (SIT) improves physical exercise capacity and metabolic biomarkers, but effects of SIT on cardiac function and energy substrate metabolism in diabetic subjects are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that SIT is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adaptations in left and right ventricle (LV and RV) glucose and fatty acid metabolism in diabetic subjects. Twenty-six untrained men and women with T2DM or prediabetes were randomized into two-week-long SIT (n = 13) and MICT (n = 13) interventions. Insulin-stimulated myocardial GU and fasted state FFAU were measured by positron emission tomography and changes in LV and RV structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance. In contrast to our hypothesis, SIT significantly decreased GU compared to MICT in LV. FFAU of both ventricles remained unchanged by training. RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and RV mass increased only after MICT, whereas LV EDV, LV mass, and RV and LV end-systolic volumes increased similarly after both training modes. As SIT decreases myocardial insulin-stimulated GU compared to MICT which may already be reduced in T2DM, SIT may be metabolically less beneficial than MICT for a diabetic heart.

Left ventricular vascular and metabolic adaptations to high‐intensity interval and moderate intensity continuous training: a randomized trial in healthy middle‐aged men

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become popular, time-sparing alternative to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), although the cardiac vascular and metabolic effects of HIIT are incompletely known. We compared the effects of 2-week interventions with HIIT and MICT on myocardial perfusion and free fatty acid and glucose uptake. Insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake was decreased by training without any significantly different response between the groups, whereas free fatty acid uptake remained unchanged. Adenosine-stimulated myocardial perfusion responded differently to the training modes (change in mean HIIT: -19%; MICT: +9%; P=0.03 for interaction) and was correlated with myocardial glucose uptake for the entire dataset and especially after HIIT training. HIIT and MICT induce similar metabolic and functional changes in the heart, although myocardial vascular hyperaemic reactivity is impaired after HIIT, and this should be considered when prescribing very intense HIIT for previously untrained subjects. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient way of obtaining the health benefits of exercise, although the cardiac effects of this training mode are incompletely known. We compared the effects of short-term HIIT and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) interventions on myocardial perfusion and metabolism and cardiac function in healthy, sedentary, middle-aged men. Twenty-eight healthy, middle-aged men were randomized to either HIIT or MICT groups (n=14 in both) and underwent six cycle ergometer training sessions within 2weeks (HIIT session: 4-6×30s all-out cycling/4min recovery, MICT session 40-60min at 60% V̇O2 peak ). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) was performed to measure cardiac structure and function and positron emission tomography was used to measure myocardial perfusion at baseline and during adenosine stimulation, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (MGU) and fasting free fatty acid uptake (MFFAU). End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes increased and ejection fraction slightly decreased with both training modes, although no other changes in CMRI were observed. MFFAU and basal myocardial perfusion remained unchanged. MGU was decreased by training (HIIT from 46.5 to 35.9; MICT from 47.4 to 44.4mmol100g-1 min-1 , P=0.007 for time, P=0.11 for group×time). Adenosine-stimulated myocardial perfusion responded differently to the training modes (change in mean HIIT: -19%; MICT: +9%; P=0.03 for group×time interaction). HIIT and MICT induce similar metabolic and functional changes in the heart, although myocardial vascular hyperaemic reactivity is impaired after HIIT. This should be taken into account when prescribing very intense HIIT for previously untrained subjects.

Effect of Caloric Restriction on Myocardial Fatty Acid Uptake, Left Ventricular Mass, and Cardiac Work in Obese Adults

Obesity is associated with increased fatty acid uptake in the myocardium, and this may have deleterious effects on cardiac function. The aim of this study was to evaluate how weight loss influences myocardial metabolism and cardiac work in obese adults. Thirty-four obese (mean body mass index 33.7 +/- 0.7 kg/m(2)) but otherwise healthy subjects consumed a very low calorie diet for 6 weeks. Cardiac substrate metabolism and work were measured before and after the diet. Myocardial fatty acid uptake was measured in 18 subjects using fluorine-18-fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid and positron emission tomography, and myocardial glucose uptake was measured in 16 subjects using fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose. Myocardial structure and cardiac function were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Consumption of the very low calorie diet decreased weight (-11.2 +/- 0.6 kg, p <0.0001). Myocardial fatty acid uptake decreased from 4.2 +/- 0.4 to 2.9 +/- 0.2 micromol/100 g/min (p <0.0001). Myocardial mass decreased by 7% (p <0.005), and cardiac work decreased by 26% (p <0.0001). Whole-body insulin sensitivity increased by 33% (p <0.01), but insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake remained unchanged (p = 0.90). Myocardial triglyceride content decreased by 31% (n = 8, p = 0.076). In conclusion, weight reduction decreases myocardial fatty acid uptake in parallel with myocardial mass and cardiac work. These results show that the increased fatty acid uptake found in the hearts of obese patients can be reversed by weight loss.

Reduced cardiotropic response to insulin in spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-initiated signaling

Vascular insulin resistance plays a crucial pathogenic role in the development of genetic hypertension. However, it is not known whether hypertension-associated myocardial insulin resistance also exists, and whether this is involved in the development of related diseases, such as hypertensive heart failure. The present study aimed to determine whether hypertension-associated myocardial insulin resistance exists, in addition to any underlying mechanism. Ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and myocyte shortening and intracellular Ca2+ transient were assessed, as was any signaling mechanism. Compared with WKY rats, insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake was blunted in SHR. More importantly, the positive inotropic effect of insulin was significantly reduced in SHR myocytes. Moreover, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI-3) kinase p85 expression and insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation were reduced in SHR cardiomyocytes, but were markedly restored when animals were treated with rosiglitazone for 14 days. Pretreatment with an Akt inhibitor abolished the inotropic effect induced by insulin in rosiglitazone-treated SHR cardiomyocytes. The data obtained demonstrate that insulin resistance exists in SHR cardiomyocytes as manifested by both reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and an impaired contractile response to insulin, which is attributable to decreased PPARgamma expression and subsequent impairment in PI-3 kinase/Akt signaling.

Aging is associated with myocardial insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction

Aging is associated with insulin resistance, often attributable to obesity and inactivity. Recent evidence suggests that skeletal muscle insulin resistance in aging is associated with mitochondrial alterations. Whether this is true of the senescent myocardium is unknown. Twelve young (Y, 4 years old) and 12 old (O, 11 years old) dogs, matched for body mass, were instrumented with left-ventricular pressure gauges, aortic and coronary sinus catheters, and flow probes on left circumflex artery. Before surgery, all dogs participated in a 6-wk exercise program. Dogs underwent measurements of hemodynamics and plasma substrates before and during a 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to measure whole body and myocardial glucose and nonesterified fatty acid uptake. Following the protocol, myocardial and skeletal samples were obtained to measure components of the insulin-signaling cascade and mitochondrial structure. There was no difference in plasma glucose (Y, 90 +/- 4 mg/dl; O, 87 +/- 4 mg/dl), but old dogs had higher (P < 0.02) nonesterified fatty acids (Y, 384 +/- 48 micromol/l; O, 952 +/- 97 micromol/l) and plasma insulin (Y, 39 +/- 11 pmol/l; O, 108 +/- 18 pmol/l). Old dogs had impaired total body glucose disposition (Y, 11.5 +/- 1 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1); O, 8.0 +/- 0.5 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1); P < 0.05) and insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (Y, 3.5 +/- 0.3 mg x min(-1) x g(-1); O, 1.8 +/- 0.3 mg x min(-1) x g(-1); P < 0.05). The impaired insulin action was associated with altered insulin signaling and glucose transporter (GLUT4) translocation. There were myocardial mitochondrial structural changes observed in association with decreased expression of uncoupling protein-3. Aging is associated with both whole body and myocardial insulin resistance, independent of obesity and inactivity, but involving altered mitochondrial structure and impaired cellular insulin action.

Liver steatosis coexists with myocardial insulin resistance and coronary dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes and links to the risk of coronary syndromes. The aim was to determine the manifestations of metabolic syndrome in different organs in patients with liver steatosis. We studied 55 type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease using positron emission tomography. Myocardial perfusion was measured with [15O]H2O and myocardial and skeletal muscle glucose uptake with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose during hyperinsulinemic euglycemia. Liver fat content was determined by magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy. Patients were divided on the basis of their median (8%) into two groups with low (4.6 +/- 2.0%) and high (17.4 +/- 8.0%) liver fat content. The groups were well matched for age, BMI, and fasting plasma glucose. In addition to insulin resistance at the whole body level (P = 0.012) and muscle (P = 0.002), the high liver fat group had lower insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (P = 0.040) and glucose extraction rate (P = 0.0006) compared with the low liver fat group. In multiple regression analysis, liver fat content was the most significant explanatory variable for myocardial insulin resistance. In addition, the high liver fat group had increased concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble forms of E-selectin, vascular adhesion protein-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (P < 0.05) and lower coronary flow reserve (P = 0.02) compared with the low liver fat group. In conclusion, in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, liver fat content is a novel independent indicator of myocardial insulin resistance and reduced coronary functional capacity. Further studies will reveal the effect of hepatic fat reduction on myocardial metabolism and coronary function.

Enhancement of insulin‐stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with rosiglitazone

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) activators have recently been identified as regulators of cellular proliferation, inflammatory responses and lipid and glucose metabolism. These agents prevent coronary arteriosclerosis and improve left ventricular remodelling and function in heart failure after myocardial infarction. Improvement in myocardial metabolic state may be one of the mechanisms behind these findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone on myocardial glucose uptake in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Placebo and metformin were used as control treatments. Forty-four patients were randomized to treatment with rosiglitazone (4 mg b.i.d.), metformin (1 g b.i.d.) or placebo in a 26-week double-blinded trial. Myocardial glucose uptake was measured using [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([(18)F]FDG) and positron emission tomography (PET) during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia before and after the treatment. Rosiglitazone increased insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake by 38% (from 38.7 +/- 3.4 to 53.3 +/- 3.6 micromol 100 g(-1) min(-1), P = 0.004) and whole body glucose uptake by 36% (P = 0.01), while metformin treatment had no significant effect on myocardial (40.5 +/- 3.5 vs. 36.6 +/- 5.2, NS) or whole body glucose uptake. Myocardial work as determined by the rate-pressure-product was similar between the groups. Neither treatment had any significant effect on fasting serum free fatty acids (FFA) but the FFA levels during hyperinsulinaemia were more suppressed in the rosiglitazone group (-47%, P = 0.02). Myocardial glucose uptake correlated inversely to FFA concentrations both before (r =-0.54, P = 0.002) and after (r = -0.43, P = 0.01) the treatment period in the pooled data. Furthermore, the increase in myocardial glucose uptake correlated inversely with interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations (r = -0.58, P = 0.03). In addition to the improvement in whole body insulin sensitivity, rosiglitazone treatment enhances insulin stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in patients with Type 2 diabetes, most probably due to its suppression of the serum FFAs.

Delayed response of insulin-stimulated fluorine-18 deoxyglucose uptake in glucose transporter-4-null mice hearts

ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate the time course of insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) in mice that had undergone ablation of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4). BackgroundThe relative importance of GLUT4, the most abundant insulin-responsive glucose transporter, to modulate myocardial glucose metabolism is not well defined. MethodsMyocardial glucose uptake was assessed at various time points after glucose (1 mg/g) and insulin (8 mU/g) injection in GLUT4-null (G4N) (n = 48) and wild-type (WT) (n = 48) mice with 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) using in vivo positron emission tomography (PET), in vitro gamma-counter biodistribution, and isolated, perfused hearts. ResultsBaseline assessment with PET imaging showed comparable MGU in G4N (0.66 ± 0.12) and WT (0.67 ± 0.11, p = 0.70) mice. Early after insulin injection, WT mice demonstrated a 3.5-fold increase in MGU (2.45 ± 0.45, p = 0.03), whereas G4N mice presented no increase (1.11 ± 0.24, p = 0.28). At 60 min, MGU was comparable in G4N (3.19 ± 0.60) and WT (2.66 ± 0.47, p = 0.28) mice. In vitro gamma-counter biodistribution evaluation confirmed in G4N mice a lack of MGU increase early after insulin, but a slow response over 120 min. The isolated, perfused hearts of G4N mice during short-term (15 min) insulin stimulation displayed no increase in MGU (0.08 ± 0.01 ml/g/min), whereas WT mice presented a threefold increase (0.22 ± 0.01 ml/g/min, p < 0.01). With long-term (60 min) insulin stimulation, similar MGU was found in G4N (0.31 ± 0.02 ml/g/min) and WT (0.33 ± 0.04 ml/g per min, p = 0.04) mice. ConclusionsThe G4N mice displayed an increase of MGU in response to insulin similar to that of controls, but with a markedly delayed time response. Our findings underscore the important role of GLUT4 in the rapid adaptive response of myocardial glucose metabolism.

Insulin-Stimulated Myocardial Glucose Uptake and the Relation to Perfusion and the Nitric Oxide System

In skeletal muscle, insulin increases glucose uptake through endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO)-dependent vasodilation. Insulin also enhances myocardial glucose uptake, but it is unknown whether vasodilation participates in the underlying mechanism. We studied whether insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) is associated with perfusion changes and whether MGU is EDNO dependent. Myocardial perfusion (MBF) and MGU were measured three times with positron emission tomography in 8 healthy volunteers (56 ± 6 years): (1) During a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (clamp), (2) during clamp and blockage of the nitric oxide synthesis by L-NMMA and (3) during clamp and nitric oxide stimulation with nitroglycerin. We measured MBF at rest before and during clamp utilizing ¹³N-ammonia and ¹⁸F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose as perfusion and glucose tracers, respectively. Hemodynamics were affected neither by insulin nor by L-NMMA. Nitroglycerin reduced rate-pressure product. Insulin did not affect MBF. L-NMMA reduced MBF (0.60 ± 0.15 vs. 0.66 ± 0.14 ml/g/min; p < 0.05), while MGU was unchanged. Nitroglycerin did not alter MBF, while MGU was reduced (0.44 ± 0.11 vs. 0.52 ± 0.13 µmol/g/min; p = 0.05). Insulin-stimulated MGU does not rely on a simultaneous increment of MBF. Myocardial glucose uptake can be stimulated even when MBF decreases, suggesting that autoregulation of MGU is preserved despite uncoupling of vascular autoregulation.

Exercise training improves insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Background The effects of exercise training on myocardial substrate utilization have not previously been studied in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and mild heart failure. Methods and results Myocardial glucose uptake was studied in 15 clinically stable patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (New York Heart Association class I-II, ejection fraction 34% ± 8%) with the use of 2-[fluorine 18]fluoro-2-deoxy- d-glucose ([F-18]FDG) and positron emission tomography under euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Eight of these patients participated in a 5-month endurance and strength training program, whereas seven patients served as nontrained subjects. Left ventricular function was assessed by 2-dimensional echocardiography before and after the intervention. After the training period, insulin-stimulated myocardial fractional [F-18]FDG uptake and glucose uptake rates were significantly increased in the anterior, lateral, and septal walls ( P < .01) in the trained subjects but remained unchanged in the nontrained subjects. In the trained patients, whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was enhanced and serum free fatty acid levels were suppressed during hyperinsulinemia compared with the baseline study ( P < .05). No changes were observed in the nontrained group. Conclusions These results indicate that exercise training in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy improves insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake. This improvement in glucose uptake may be indicative of a switch in myocardial preference to a more energy-efficient substrate.

Short-term effects of growth hormone on myocardial glucose uptake in healthy humans.

Cardiac muscle is characterized by insulin resistance in specific heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, but not in generalized disorders like diabetes mellitus and essential hypertension when cardiac manifestations are absent. To examine whether the insulin antagonistic effect of growth hormone (GH) acts upon the heart, we compared insulin-stimulated whole body and myocardial glucose uptake with and without GH administration during a 3.5-h euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in eight healthy males. Myocardial 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose uptake was measured with positron emission tomography. The data were converted to myocardial glucose uptake by tracer kinetic analysis. GH did not change the rate-pressure product. GH decreased whole body insulin-stimulated glucose disposal by 26% (48.0 +/- 12.1 vs. control 62.8 +/- 6.1 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1), P < 0.02). Free fatty acids were suppressed to a similar extent with and without GH during the insulin clamp. Insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake was similar in the presence and in the absence of GH (0.34 +/- 0.05 and 0.31 +/- 0.03 micromol. g(-1). min(-1), P = 0.18). In conclusion, GH does not impair insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake despite a considerable whole body insulin antagonistic effect. Myocardial insulin resistance is not an inherent consequence of whole body insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance characterizes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle but not in the heart in NIDDM.

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance and coronary heart disease (CHD) often precede non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A recent study showed the myocardium of patients with CHD to be insulin resistant, independent of blood flow. We determined whether myocardial insulin resistance is a feature of NIDDM patients with no CHD. Skeletal muscle and myocardial glucose uptake were determined in 10 patients with NIDDM and 9 age- and weight-matched normal men of similar age and body mass index men using [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and positron emission tomography under normoglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic conditions. Whole body glucose uptake, as determined by the euglycaemic clamp technique, was significantly lower in the patients with NIDDM (35+/-3 micromol/kg body weight min) than the normal subjects (45+/-3 micromol/kg body weight x min, p < 0.02). Insulin-stimulated femoral muscle glucose uptake was significantly lower in the patients with NIDDM (71+/-6 micromol/kg muscle x min) than in the normal subjects (96+/-5 micromol/kg muscle x min, p < 0.01). Whole body glucose uptake was correlated with femoral muscle glucose uptake in the entire group (r=0.76, p < 0.001), in patients with NIDDM and in normal subjects. Rates of insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake were comparable between the patients with NIDDM (814+/-76 micromol/kg muscle min) and the normal subjects (731+/-63 micromol/kg muscle min, p > 0.4). Whole body or femoral muscle, and myocardial glucose uptake were not correlated in all subjects, patients with NIDDM or normal subjects. We conclude that insulin resistance of the myocardium is not a feature of uncomplicated NIDDM.

Adrenergic, insulin, and work interactions with adenosine's effects on in situ myocardial glucose uptake.

We have demonstrated that adenosine enhances insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in situ. In the present study we determined the role of adrenergic influences and myocardial work on insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake while varying intracoronary adenosine concentrations. Under pentobarbital anesthesia we instrumented mongrel dogs to obtain blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial and coronary sinus blood samples for measuring oxygen and glucose concentrations. An electromagnetic blood flow probe around the circumflex coronary artery allowed determinations of blood flow, and calculation of myocardial oxygen (MVO2) and glucose (MGU) uptakes. Somatostatin was infused i.v. (0.8 microgram/kg.min-1) along with 10 mU/kg.min-1 regular insulin, and variable quantities of glucose to maintain euglycemia. Adenosine was infused at logarithmic incremental rates (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mumoles.min-1) for 30 min each into the main left coronary arteries. Adrenergic blockade was achieved with i.v. propranolol (70 micrograms/kg bolus followed by 5 micrograms/kg.min-1 infusion), and phentolamine (95 micrograms/kg bolus followed by 9.5 micrograms/kg.min-1 infusion). Insulin infusion significantly increased MGU. Adenosine increased the maximal value for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Adrenergic blockade alone did not alter insulin-stimulated MGU, but reduced heart rate and MVO2. When evaluated relative to MVO2 1.0 mumoles/ml adenosine infusion increased MGU independent of work-related changes in the presence or absence of adrenergic blockade. With an adenosine infusion rate of 10 mumoles/ml myocardial glucose uptake returned to baseline. These data also support our earlier speculation that the MGU response to adenosine may be biphasic. These results suggest that antagonism of adrenergic effects by adenosine cannot account for adenosine's ability to enhance insulin's effects on glucose uptake in the heart, but that work-related influences should be accounted for in interpreting results of this kind.

Myocardial metabolism during graded intraportal verapamil infusion in awake dogs.

Verapamil produces comparatively greater in vivo left ventricular (LV) depression than other calcium channel antagonists produce, possibly because of myocardial metabolic derangements in addition to L-channel antagonism. Therefore, we studied myocardial lipid and carbohydrate usage and the effect of insulin treatment during progressive verapamil toxicity. Verapamil was infused through the portal vein to simulate oral overdose. Eighteen mongrel dogs were instrumented to measure multiple hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. After 1-week recovery, dogs underwent control euglycemic insulin dose-response studies (n = 6) in the conscious state: at 1,000 mU/mm insulin infusion rate, myocardial glucose and lactate extraction increased seven- and threefold, respectively with no change in coronary artery blood flow or ventricular elasticity and end-systole (Ees). In 12 separate dogs, intraportal graded verapamil toxicity was induced in 3 h by increasing the infusion rate hourly: 0.04 -- 0.08 -- 0.1 mg/kg/mm. At the end of hour 3, myocardial extraction of free fatty acids decreased from 33 +/- 4 to 9 +/- 3% (mean +/- SEM, p < 0.05), without significant change in myocardial blood flow or arterial free fatty acid concentration. Verapamil toxicity increased arterial glucose from 3.5 +/- 0.16 to 6.1 +/- 1.1 mM; simultaneously, myocardial glucose extraction doubled, although endogenous insulin concentrations did not increase. Arterial lactate concentrations and net myocardial lactate uptake both increased (p < 0.05 vs basal blue). Ees decreased from 28 +/- 1 mm Hg/mm (basal) to 20 +/- 2 mm Hg/mm (end of hour 3, p <0.05). Animals were randomized into two treatment groups; either (a) insulin-glucose (1,000 mU/mm, n 6; arterial glucose was clamped +/- 10% with 50% dextrose), or (b) saline controls (n = 6) that received equivalent volume of saline. After 1-h insulin treatment, Ees increased to 34 + 3 mm Hg; in controls, Ees was 15 +/- 3 mm Hg/mm (p < 0.05). With insulin-glucose treatment, neither myocardial glucose nor lactate extraction increased significantly (p = 0.06 for lactate). Verapamil therefore inhibits myocardial fatty acid uptake and impedes insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake; under these conditions, insulin-glucose treatment increases myocardial contractile function independent of increased sugar transport. These findings indicate that verapamil toxicity produces myocardial insulin resistance and, potentially, nutrient deprivation that may contribute to clinically relevant negative inotropy.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase inactivity is not responsible for sepsis-induced insulin resistance

To determine whether activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase with dichloroacetate can reverse sepsis-induced insulin resistance in humans or rats. Prospective, controlled study. Intensive care unit (ICU) and laboratory at a university medical center. Nine patients were admitted to the ICU with Gram-negative sepsis, confirmed by cultures. In addition, chronically instrumented, Sprague-Dawley rats, either controls or with live Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, with or without coadministration of dichloroacetate. In humans, a primed, constant infusion of [6,6-2H2]glucose was used to determine endogenous glucose production and whole-body glucose disposal. Septic humans exhibited impaired maximal insulin-stimulated glucose utilization (39.5 +/- 2.7 mumol/kg/min), despite complete suppression of endogenous glucose production. In rats, a primed, constant infusion of [3-3H]glucose was used to determine endogenous glucose production and whole-body glucose disposal. Tissue glucose uptake in vivo was determined by [14C]-2-deoxyglucose uptake. Maximal, whole-body, insulin-stimulated glucose utilization was 205 +/- 11 and 146 +/- 9 mumol/kg/min in control and septic rats, respectively. The defect was specific to skeletal muscle and heart. Stimulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase with dichloroacetate caused a 50% decrease in plasma lactate concentration but failed to improve whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose utilization in either the septic human or rat. Dichloroacetate reversed the impairment of insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in septic rats, but did not influence skeletal muscle glucose uptake either under basal conditions or during insulin stimulation. Activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase with dichloroacetate does not ameliorate the impairment of whole-body, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in septic humans or rats, or reverse the specific defect in insulin-mediated skeletal muscle glucose uptake by septic rats. Therefore, the decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase activity associated with sepsis does not appear to mediate sepsis-induced insulin resistance during insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at either the whole-body or tissue level.

Adenosine is required for myocardial insulin responsiveness in vivo.

The adenosine-receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PTH) was used to study the role of endogenous adenosine in modulating insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) in vivo. Dogs were surgically instrumented under pentobarbital sodium anesthesia to measure hemodynamics and obtain blood samples for determinations of oxygen and glucose concentrations. Myocardial uptake of these substances was calculated as the product of the appropriate arterial-coronary sinus differences and circumflex blood flow. The response to insulin was determined with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. During insulin infusion, MGU increased from 3.12 +/- 0.8 to 9.20 +/- 1.8 mg/min (mean +/- SE). In contrast, insulin failed to increase MGU when 8-PTH was being infused into the circumflex artery. These results demonstrate that some degree of adenosine-receptor-mediated activity is required for insulin to stimulate myocardial glucose uptake. It is suggested that the presence of adenosine at its receptor may be an important factor during conditions in which myocardial insulin resistance may develop.

Adenosine potentiates insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in vivo.

Myocardial adenosine (ADO) has long been regarded as a regulator of coronary blood flow. In other tissues, such as adipose and skeletal muscle, much attention has focused on the role of ADO as a metabolic regulator of the actions of insulin. In the present study, we determined the effect of ADO infusion on insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (MGU). Mongrel dogs of either sex were instrumented to obtain arterial-coronary sinus differences for glucose, lactate, and oxygen. These were multiplied by circumflex artery blood flow (Q) to obtain uptake values. Measurements were made before and during hyperinsulinemic (4 U/min)-euglycemic clamp (clamp) with intracoronary infusions of saline, ADO, adenosine deaminase (ADA), or nitroprusside (NP). During clamp, MGU increased from a basal value of 3.0 +/- 0.8 mg/min (mean +/- SE) to 5.53 +/- 0.8 mg/min. Adenosine infusion potentiated this response, raising MGU further to 9.02 +/- 1.1 mg/min while not significantly affecting lactate or oxygen uptakes. Infusion of ADA confirmed the specificity of the response by blocking the metabolic effect of exogenously infused ADO. When NP was infused, Q increased significantly without altering MGU, indicating that the metabolic response to ADO was independent of the changes it caused in Q. A dose-response relationship existed between ADO and insulin-stimulated MGU. The metabolic response to ADO was more sensitive than the vasodilator response. It is concluded that ADO acts as a regulator of insulin in heart. This metabolic regulation occurs independent of changes in coronary blood flow.