Glycolytic and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Pancreatic Islets from MSG-Treated Obese Rats Subjected to Swimming Training

Backgrounds/Aims: Obese rats obtained by neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) administration present insulin hypersecretion. The metabolic mechanism by which glucose catabolism is coupled to insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta-cells from MSG-treated rats is understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate glucose metabolism in pancreatic islets from MSG-treated rats subjected to swimming training. Methods: MSG-treated and control (CON) rats swam for 30 minutes (3 times/week) over a period of 10 weeks. Pancreatic islets were isolated and incubated with glucose in the presence of glycolytic or mitochondrial inhibitors. Results: Swimming training attenuated fat pad accumulation, avoiding changes in the plasma levels of lipids, glucose and insulin in MSG-treated rats. Adipocyte and islet hypertrophy observed in MSG-treated rats were attenuated by exercise. Pancreatic islets from MSG-treated obese rats also showed insulin hypersecretion, greater glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) expression, increased glycolytic flux and reduced mitochondrial complex III activity. Conclusion: Swimming training attenuated islet hypertrophy and normalised GLUT2 expression, contributing to a reduction in the glucose responsiveness of pancreatic islets from MSG-treated rats without altering glycolytic flux. However, physical training increased the activity of mitochondrial complex III in pancreatic islets from MSG-treated rats without a subsequent increase in glucose-induced insulin secretion. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel