Effects of gestational hypoxia on mRNA levels of Glut3 and Glut4 transporters, hypoxia inducible factor-1 and thyroid hormone receptors in developing rat brain.

Alterations of brain development result from noxious intrauterine signals, as oxygen deprivation, which decrease glucose energetic yield. To verify the hypothesis that a defect of brain energetic adaptation is responsible for these alterations, we have studied the effects of gestational hypoxia (10% oxygen during the last 2 weeks of fetal life) on cerebral ontogenesis of glucose transporters which control the limiting step of glucose utilization by neurons. This study is realised in rats by quantification of whole brain Glut3 and Glut4 mRNA in 14- and 19-day-old embryos (E14, E19), newborn (P0) and 7 postnatal-day-old rats (P7) by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. We have associated our study with the analysis of a transcriptional factor, the hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), known to control the expression of glucose transporter, and with a family of transcriptional factors, the thyroid hormone receptors (TR), regulating specific genes involved in brain development. The data show (1) for the first time the Glut4 and HIF-1alpha gene expression in fetal rat brain which are detected as soon as E14, (2) that gestational hypoxia induces an increase of mRNA transcript levels of Glut3, Glut4, TRalpha2, TRbeta1 and HIF-1alpha genes mainly or exclusively at E14, and (3) that the absence of response of Glut3 and HIF-1alpha at E19 in hypoxic vs. normoxic group could indicate an insufficient energetic adaptation at this period of development which could lead to the neural alterations observed postnatally.

Biochemical and functional evidences for a GLUT-4 homologous protein in avian skeletal muscle.

The characteristics and modulation of glucose transport were investigated in skeletal muscles of 5-wk-old Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata). Glucose uptake by sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from gastrocnemius muscle followed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a K(m) value (17 mM) similar to that described in equivalent mammalian preparations. Western blot analysis of duckling sarcolemma using antibodies directed against rat GLUT-4 transporter revealed an immunoreactive protein of similar molecular mass (45 kDa) to that present in rats. When ducklings were killed in the postabsorptive state, GLUT-4 homologous protein was located predominantly (80%) in intracellular membranes. Insulin stimulation of a perfused leg muscle preparation in vitro led to the translocation of GLUT-4 homologous proteins from intracellular pools to the sarcolemma, with a subsequent increase in glucose uptake by sarcolemmal vesicles and perfused muscles. Glucose transport was positively controlled by the metabolic needs of skeletal muscle as reflected by the increased glucose uptake of sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from cold-acclimated ducklings. Present results, therefore, demonstrate, for the first time in an avian species, the existence in skeletal muscle of a glucose transporter showing molecular and functional homologies with the mammalian GLUT-4 transporter.

Effect of chronic cold exposure on Na-dependent D-glucose transport along small intestine in ducklings.

In conditions of chronic cold exposure, ducklings develop a nonshivering thermogenesis that requires a high energy expenditure. Therefore, energy supply becomes essential to cold-acclimated ducklings, which increase their intake of carbohydrate-rich food. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of cold acclimation on the activity of the intestinal brush-border Na(+)-D-glucose cotransport, which is the first major step controlling glucose entrance into an organism. Cotransport activity was determined by measuring D-glucose uptake in brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from different parts of the small intestine of thermoneutral control (25 degrees C) or cold-acclimated (4 degrees C) ducklings (Cairina moschata). Two D-glucose transport sites were described in ducklings: a high-affinity/low-capacity site and a low-affinity/high-capacity site. The former was mainly located in the ileum and the latter in the duodenum. These two transport sites were altered differently by cold exposure. Major alterations occur in the ileum where 1) a reduction in the Michaelis-Menten constant and maximal transport rate of the high-affinity site was observed, and 2) the occurrence of low-affinity site activity was noted in cold-acclimated ducklings, although it was not detected in the thermoneutral control group. Cold effect on the high-affinity site could be related to the changes in the ileal brush-border membrane vesicle lipids, whereas cold effect on the low-affinity site could be due, at least in part, to the higher glycosyl content found in this segment. The small intestine appears then able to react to cold exposure by increasing both its mucosa mass in proximal segments and D-glucose uptake capacity in ileum to respond to the higher energy demand induced by thermoregulatory requirements.

Dietary regulation of fructose metabolism in the intestine and in the liver of the rat. Duration of the effects of a high fructose diet after the return to the standard diet.

In this research on metabolic effects of a high fructose diet, we studied the duration of these effects by measuring the specific activity of 8 enzymes stimulated by such a diet, on days, 0, 3, 6, 9, 15, after the return to a normal diet. In the intestinal mucosa, ketohexokinase, aldolase, triokinase, fructose-diphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase specific activities were still entirely or partially stimulated on the 15th day after return to the standard diet. The stimulation of glucose-6-phosphatase and pyruvate kinase specific activities stopped quickly. In the liver, with the exception of fructose-diphosphatase, the return to basic values was much quicker than in intestine. In 7 enzymes out of 8 it was realized in 9 days or less. When a high fructose diet gives way to a normal one, return to basic values comes so much the quicker as activation has needed longer to appear.

Fructose transport by rat intestinal brush border membrane vesicles. Effect of high fructose diet followed by return to standard diet.

1. D-Fructose uptake in isolated rat intestinal brush border membrane comprised a simple diffusional component and a saturable, carrier-mediated, component. The latter did not follow typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics and appeared as a low affinity, high capacity process (Kt = 110 mM, Jmax = 160.5 nmol/min.mg protein). 2. Carrier-mediated D-fructose uptake was highly specific, Na independent and unaffected by phloridzin and metabolic inhibitors. 3. Fructose feeding for 3 days resulted in an activation of D-fructose uptake after a latent period superior to 3 days. The increase was of relatively short duration since it was not further observed 6 days after the return to the standard diet. 4. The activation in D-fructose uptake was due to a slight decrease in Kt and a marked increase in Jmax (from 160.5 to 306 nmol/min.mg protein), suggesting a rise in the number of transporters.

Homodimer and heterodimer forms of adult rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase.

Three forms of alkaline phosphatase have been isolated from different sections of the small intestine: F3 180 kDa from the duodenum; F2 150 kDa principally jejunal; F1 120 kDa the only ileal form. Their catalytic properties have been compared as well as the electrophoretic properties the dimer and monomer of their phosphorylated intermediates. Pi was a competitive inhibitor of F1 and F3, whereas glycerophosphate was competitive inhibitor only of F3. Pi was a non competitive inhibitor of F2 and of a mixture F1 plus F3. Heating the phosphorylated enzyme preparations led to their dissociation into the phosphorylated monomers: F1 and F3 appear to be homodimers 65 kDa and 90 kDa peptides respectively whilst F2 seems to be a dimer formed from one of each monomer. F1 was phosphorylated faster but less intensively than F3. F2 was strongly phosphorylated over a long time-course and its 65 kDa monomer fraction was phosphorylated more strongly for longer than that from F1.

[Differential phosphorylation of the 3 forms of alkaline phosphatase of the small intestine of adult rats]. / Phosphorylation différentielle des trois formes de phosphatase alcaline de l'intestin grêle du rat adulte.

Semi-purified preparations were obtained from duodenal, jejunal or ileal mucosa containing one of the three alkaline phosphatase forms. The Mr of the isoenzymes were for F1 120, F2 150, F3 180 kDa. F1 was the only species found in the ileum; F2 was duodenal but mainly jejunal; F3 was found mainly in duodenum. These enzymes forms were the only phosphorylable proteins in these preparations. Following treatment with denaturing agents they were separated on gel electrophoresis into monomers F': F'1 65, F'2 65 and 90, F'3 90 kDa. Thus F2 could be an heterodimer. All were far more phosphorylated from ATP than from inorganic phosphate. As compared with F1, F3 was relatively more sensitive to ATP and less sensitive to inorganic phosphate.

Phosphorylable proteins and alkaline phosphatase of brush border membranes from different parts of the rat small intestine.

1. The distribution along the small intestine of phosphorylable proteins from the brush border has been studied by gel electrophoresis. 2. Four proteins, with apparent Mr of 190, 160, 140 and 120 kDa were distributed unequally along the gut, which incorporated 32P from gamma 32P (ATP) to different degrees. 3. Alkaline phosphatase activity has been shown to follow the same distribution. 4. Under denaturing conditions 90, 85 and 65 kDa proteins were observed, whilst the proteins of 190, 160, 140 and 120 kDa had disappeared. 5. All these proteins, with the exception of the 190 kDa protein, had also been labelled with 32Pi. Furthermore, a difference in the phosphorylation of the 65 kDa and the 90-85 kDa proteins was observed. 6. The 65 kDa protein like commercial calf alkaline phosphatase had a ratio of phosphorylation from ATP to phosphorylation from Pi less than the 90 and 85 kDa proteins. 7. Mg2+ (2.5-10 mM) decreased phosphorylation of only the 65 kDa protein whilst beta-glycerophosphate inhibited phosphorylation of all forms of alkaline phosphatase. 8. Incorporation of gamma 32P (ATP) into the proteins was enhanced in the presence of 5 mM theophylline or EDTA. 9. The nature of the phosphorylation of these different proteins is discussed.

[Intestinal adaptation and enzymatic changes following reciprocal jejunoileal transposition in rats. Effects of a high-fructose diet]. / Adaptation intestinale et modifications enzymatiques après transposition réciproque jéjuno-iléale chez le rat. Effets d'un régime riche en fructose.

The longitudinal localization of nine enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism was studied in rats fed standard or high fructose diets, two months after a reciprocal jejuno-ileal transposition. In the ileal segment transposed to jejunal location, an adaptive increase of mucosal mass was observed, but the functional characteristics of enterocytes remained the same in the case of triokinase, aldolase, triose phosphate isomerase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. In the case of ketohexokinase and hexokinase activities, the functional properties of cells tended to resemble that of jejunum, as revealed by a significant increase in the specific enzyme activity. In the jejunum transposed to the place of the ileum, the fundamental properties of enterocytes and the functional capacity of the gut were maintained except in the case of fructose-1.6-bis phosphatase and of glucose-6-phosphatase. The high fructose diet did not facilitate the re-establishment of the gradient in its normal, aboral, direction. Indeed except for glucose-6-phosphatase, the enzymes of the jejunum transposed to the place of the ileum kept a high sensitivity and the enzymes of transposed ileum a low sensitivity to dietary fructose. Our conclusion is that the response to the diet depends more on the original position of the intestinal segment than on the local nutritional conditions and therefore that the basal activity of the majority of the intracellular enzymes implicated in carbohydrate metabolism and also their regulatory systems, are an intrinsic characteristic of the intestinal cells.

Enterocyte microvillus can phosphorylate molecules which inhibit endogenous phosphorylation of its proteins.

D- and L-amino acids (arginine, lysine) and hydroxylated molecules (sorbitol, ethyl-ethanolamine), all of which increase the intestinal transfer of calcium, are phosphorylated by jejunal and ileal microvilli. All these molecules inhibit the endogenous phosphorylation of microvilli proteins. D- and L-valine, which are not phosphorylated in the same conditions, have no effect on the phosphorylation of microvilli proteins. These observations are in good agreement with the scheme previously proposed for the increase of calcium intestinal transfer by L-lysine: phosphorylation of L-lysine by mucous membrane may interfere with that of membrane proteins, the phosphorylation of which would lower the permeability to that cation. Autoradiographies of the electrophoretogram show that the principal phosphorylable microvilli proteins have the same electrophoretic properties as those of the dimer and the monomer of alkaline phosphatase from the same intestinal loci. The ability of the enzyme to be phosphorylated and its well-known transphosphorylating activity upon hydroxylated molecules suggest that it could, in different ways, affect intestinal transfer of calcium.

Notion of time factor in calcium absorption. Influence of sex, intestinal site and L-xylose in the mature rat.

The unidirectional influx of Ca (measured by in vitro methods) was similar along the intestine of the adult rat, from Treitz ligament to ileo-daecal valve. In in vivo ligated loop experiments, the rate of Ca absorption was similar during 30 min irrespective of site, sex and the presence of L-xylose in the Ca solution. On the contrary, these factors modified the quantity of Ca absorbed. After 30 min, absorption stopped in the male ileum whereas it continued (1) in the male jejunum; (2) in the ileum of the female, and (3) in the male ileum in the presence of xylose (absorption being proportional to xylose concentration). Thus, in the adult rat, the duration rather than the rate is the decisive factor in Ca uptake.

[Kinetic properties of the fructose influx across the brush border of the rat jejunum. Effects of a diet rich in fructose]. / Les propriétés cinétiques du flux d'entrée du fructose a travers la bordure en brosse du jéjunum du rat. Effets d'un régime riche en fructose.

The unidirectional influx (i.e. initial rate of uptake) of D-fructose across the brush border of rat jejunum is a saturable function of concentration, with a Kt of 125 mM, which implicates a carrier mechanism. This mechanism appears to be very specific for fructose in view of the lack of influx inhibition observed in the presence of large concentrations of the sugars or polyols, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, D-xylose, L-sorbose, D-tagatose, sorbitol or mannitol. D-Fructose uptake is inhibited by incubation, preceded by a 30-min preincubation in the same inhibitory conditions, in the absence of Na, or in the presence of metabolic poisons, NaF, 2,4-dinitrophenol, monoiodoacetate. Phloridzin (10-3 M), with or without preincubation, has no effect on uptake. D-Fructose influx is stimulated by fructose feeding, mainly because the augmentation of the number of active sites of transfer: Jmax is increased two-fold, Kt is more weakly affected.

[Effects of a high-fructose diet on various characteristics of metabolism in rat small intestine]. / Effets d'une alimentation riche en fructose sur certaines caractéristiques du métabolisme de l'intestin grêle du rat

During the fructose intestinal transfer in vitro, in the rats receiving a normal diet, no glucose is synthetized. In the high-fructose diet rats, glucose appears in the intestinal wall and in the serosal fluid. This synthesis is probably realized from fructose. When fructose is used as substrate, the intestinal tissue of these latter animals shows a greater oxygen consumption than that of the former animals.