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. Glucose uptake was measured using 2-deoxy-d-[1,2-(3)H]glucose. 2-Methoxyoestradiol (50 microm) reduced glucose uptake induced by insulin, contraction and hypoxia by approximately 60%. Exogenous H(2)O(2) activated glucose uptake, and this effect was also blocked by 2-ME, demonstrating that 2-ME was exerting its inhibitory effect on glucose uptake at a site other than superoxide dismutase. When glucose uptake was stimulated by insulin, followed by addition of 2-ME, there was also an attenuation of the effect of insulin (approximately 60%). Moreover, basal glucose uptake was decreased by 2-ME (approximately 50%). In contrast, insulin-mediated translocation of glucose transporter type 4 protein to the plasma membrane was not affected by 2-ME. Similar results were obtained in soleus (oxidative, slow-twitch) muscle. In conclusion, 2-ME appears to decrease glucose transport in skeletal muscle by directly interfering with the function of glucose transport proteins in surface membranes.

AMP kinase is required for mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle in response to chronic energy deprivation.

Mitochondrial biogenesis is a critical adaptation to chronic energy deprivation, yet the signaling mechanisms responsible for this response are poorly understood. To examine the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an evolutionarily conserved fuel sensor, in mitochondrial biogenesis we studied transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of AMPK in muscle (DN-AMPK). Both DN-AMPK and WT mice were treated with beta-guanidinopropionic acid (GPA), a creatine analog, which led to similar reductions in the intramuscular ATPAMP ratio and phosphocreatine concentrations. In WT mice, GPA treatment resulted in activation of muscle AMPK and mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the same GPA treatment in DN-AMPK mice had no effect on AMPK activity or mitochondrial content. Furthermore, AMPK inactivation abrogated GPA-induced increases in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha and calciumcalmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (both master regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis). These data demonstrate that by sensing the energy status of the muscle cell, AMPK is a critical regulator involved in initiating mitochondrial biogenesis.