An Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate (IP3)-IP3 Receptor Pathway Is Required for Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Transporter 4 Translocation and Glucose Uptake in Cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+](i)) and glucose uptake are central to cardiomyocyte physiology, yet connections between them have not been studied. We investigated whether insulin regulates [Ca2+](i) in cultured cardiomyocytes, the participating mechanisms, and their influence on glucose uptake via SLC2 family of facilitative glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were preloaded with the Ca2+ fluorescent dye fluo3-acetoxymethyl ester compound (AM) and visualized by confocal microscopy. Ca2+ transport pathways were selectively targeted by chemical and molecular inhibition. Glucose uptake was assessed using [H-3]2-deoxyglucose, and surface GLUT4 levels were quantified in nonpermeabilized cardiomyocytes transfected with GLUT4-myc-enhanced green fluorescent protein.

Insulin elicited a fast, two-component, transient increase in [Ca2+](i). Nifedipine and ryanodine prevented only the first component. The second one was reduced by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-receptor- selective inhibitors (xestospongin C, 2 amino-ethoxydiphenylborate), by type 2 IP3 receptor knockdown via small interfering RNA or by transfected G beta gamma peptidic inhibitor beta ARKct. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was prevented by bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetra-acetic acid-AM, 2-amino-ethoxydiphenylborate, and beta ARK-ct but not by nifedipine or ryanodine. Similarly, insulin-dependent exofacial exposure of GLUT4-myc-enhanced green fluorescent protein was inhibited by bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetra-acetic acid-AM and xestospongin C but not by nifedipine. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt were also required for the second phase of Ca2+ release and GLUT4 translocation. Transfected dominant-negative phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma inhibited the latter.

In conclusion, in primary neonatal cardiomyocytes, insulin induces an important component of Ca2+ release via IP3 receptor. This component signals to glucose uptake via GLUT4, revealing a so-far unrealized contribution of IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores to insulin action. This pathway may influence cardiac metabolism in conditions yet to be explored in adult myocardium.