Altered content of AMP-activated protein kinase isoforms in skeletal muscle from spinal cord injured subjects.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a pivotal regulator of energy homeostasis. Although downstream targets of AMPK are widely characterized, the physiological factors governing isoform expression of this protein kinase are largely unknown. Nerve/contractile activity has a major impact on the metabolic phenotype of skeletal muscle, therefore likely to influence AMPK isoform expression.

2-Methoxyoestradiol inhibits glucose transport in rodent skeletal muscle.

2-Methoxyoestradiol (2-ME) is an oestrogen derivative that inhibits superoxide dismutase (which converts superoxide anions to H(2)O(2)). Since reactive oxygen species have been implicated in glucose transport, we determined the effect of 2-ME on glucose transport in skeletal muscle. Experiments were performed on isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL, glycolytic, fast-twitch) muscle.

Insulin signaling and glucose transport in skeletal muscle from first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients.

Aberrant insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle from type 2 diabetic patients may arise from genetic defects and an altered metabolic milieu. We determined insulin action on signal transduction and glucose transport in isolated vastus lateralis skeletal muscle from normal glucose-tolerant first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients (n = 8, 41 +/- 3 years, BMI 25.1 +/- 0.