Streptozotocin-induced diabetes increases fructose 2,6-biphosphate levels and glucose metabolism in thymus lymphocytes.

Acute effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on several parameters of glucose metabolism was investigated in thymus lymphocytes (thymocytes). The cells from diabetics rats accumulated in vitro about 2-fold more fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2, 6-P2) in the presence of increasing glucose concentration than cells from normal rats. An increased production of lactate was also observed. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) and phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK-2) activities were enhanced in cells from diabetic rats compared with those from normal rats. [U-14C]glucose incorporation into glycogen was also increased in cells from diabetic rats and the 14CO2 liberation was lesser than in cells from normal animals. From these data it may be concluded that the response of thymocytes to streptozotocin-induced diabetes is similar to that observed in other extrahepatic tissues.