Modulation of IR/PTP1B interaction and downstream signaling in insulin sensitive tissues of MSG-rats

PTP1B has been shown to be a negative regulator of the insulin signal transduction in insulin resistant states. Herein we investigated IR/PTP1B interaction and downstream signaling in insulin sensitive tissues of 10 and 28-week-old MSG-insulin resistant rats which represent different stages of insulin resistance. Our results demonstrated that the increase in PTP1B expression and/or association with IR in MSG animals may contribute to the impaired insulin signaling mainly in liver and muscle. Although, adipose tissue of 10-week-old MSG rats showed higher PTP1B expression and IR/PTP1B interaction, they were not sufficient to impair all insulin signaling since IRS-2 phosphorylation and association with PI3-kinase and Akt serine phosphorylation were increased, which may contribute for the increased adiposity of these animals. In 28-week-old-MSG rats there was an increase in IR/PTP1B interaction and reduced insulin signaling in liver, muscle and adipocytes, and a more pronounced insulin resistance. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.