Sensory nerve inactivation by resiniferatoxin improves insulin sensitivity in male obese Zucker rats

• Recent studies have suggested that sensory nerves may influence insulin secretion and action. The present study investigated the effects of resiniferatoxin (RTX) inactivation of sensory nerves ( desensitization) on oral glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and whole body insulin sensitivity in the glucose intolerant, hyperinsulinemic, and insulin-resistant obese Zucker rat. After RTX treatment (0.05 mg/kg RTX sc given at ages 8, 10, and 12 wk), fasting plasma insulin was reduced ( P < 0.0005), and oral glucose tolerance was improved ( P < 0.005). Pancreas perfusion showed that baseline insulin secretion ( 7 mM glucose) was lower in RTX-treated rats ( P = 0.01). Insulin secretory responsiveness to 20 mM glucose was enhanced in the perfused pancreas of RTX-treated rats ( P < 0.005) but unaffected in stimulated, isolated pancreatic islets. At the peak of spontaneous insulin resistance in the obese Zucker rat, insulin sensitivity was substantially improved after RTX treatment, as evidenced by higher glucose infusion rates (GIR) required to maintain euglycemia during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic ( 5 mU center dot kg(-1) center dot min(-1)) clamp (GIR(60 - 120min): 5.97 +/- 0.62 vs. 11.65 +/- 0.83 mg center dot kg(-1) center dot min(-1) in RTX-treated rats, P = 0.003). In conclusion, RTX treatment and, hence, sensory nerve desensitization of adult male obese Zucker rats improved oral glucose tolerance by enhancing insulin secretion, and, in particular, by improving insulin sensitivity.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

capsaicin

hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp

obesity

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)