Effect of glucose and insulin on protein and basement membrane synthesis in isolated glomeruli of diabetic rats.

In incubation experiments with isolated glomeruli, an increased synthesis of protein and basement membranes was detected in diabetic rats compared to metabolically healthy controls. Different glucose concentrations in the incubation medium and insulin did not influence protein and basement membrane synthesis of nondiabetic glomeruli. On the other hand, in diabetic glomeruli the synthetic activity depends on glucose concentration. Insulin had a stimulating effect on protein and basement membrane synthesis diminished at lower glucose concentration. The increased synthetic activity demonstrated at higher glucose concentration was not inhibited by insulin.