Divergent regulation of rat adipocyte GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters by GH.

The effect of GH, in vivo, on the glucose transport systems of rat adipocytes has been investigated. Lowering of serum GH levels, by treatment of rats with an antiserum specific for rat GH (anti-rGH), significantly decreased serum levels of both IGF-I and insulin. Treatment with anti-rGH also increased glucose oxidation and the conversion of glucose to lipid by isolated adipocytes. Adipocyte glucose oxidation and lipid synthesis were measured in the presence of a limiting concentration of glucose and therefore reflect changes in glucose transport. Immunoblot analysis of adipocyte subcellular fractions revealed that anti-rGH induced an increase in the amount of the glucose transporters GLUT1 (1.6-fold) and GLUT4 (2.5-fold) present in plasma membranes and a decrease (39%) in the amount of GLUT4 present in low-density microsomal fractions. Lowering of serum GH also increased, by 36%, the amount of GLUT1 present in a total membrane fraction but had no such effect on GLUT4 levels. Replenishment of serum GH, by concurrent administration of ovine GH to rats, prevented all of these effects of anti-rGH. It was concluded that GH in vivo down-regulates the amount of both GLUT1 and GLUT4 present in rat adipocyte plasma membranes. This reflects a decrease in the total cellular levels of GLUT1 and modification of the subcellular distribution of GLUT4 and results in restriction of adipocyte glucose uptake.