Sphingolipids inhibit insulin and phorbol ester stimulated uptake of 2-deoxyglucose.

Studies are presented demonstrating inhibition of both insulin and phorbol myristate acetate stimulated uptake of 2-deoxyglucose uptake by 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Greatest inhibition of uptake was seen with sphinganine while sphingosine was also potent in this regard. Ceramide inhibited phorbol myristate acetate but not insulin stimulation of uptake. It is suggested that sphingolipid inhibition of glucose transport relates to the previously demonstrated effect of corticosteroids to increase membrane sphingomyelin and inhibit glucose transport.