Insulin sensitivity in long-living Ames dwarf mice

Age (Dordr). 2014;36(5):9709. doi: 10.1007/s11357-014-9709-1. Epub 2014 Aug 29.

Abstract

Long-living Ames dwarf mice (df/df) characterized by growth hormone (GH) deficiency are widely used in aging research because of their 40-60 % lifespan extension compared to normal (N) littermates. Importantly, these mice not only live longer but are also protected from age-related diseases including insulin resistance. Several studies demonstrate that df/df mice have enhanced insulin signaling in different insulin-sensitive tissues and suggest that this is a mechanism for extended lifespan. However, it is unknown whether the enhanced insulin signaling in df/df mice translates to improved insulin action on hepatic glucose production and tissue glucose uptake. We performed hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps to assess tissue-specific insulin action in vivo for the first time in these small long-living dwarfs. Our results demonstrate that the glucose infusion rate required to maintain euglycemia was ∼2-fold higher in df/df mice compared to N controls. Insulin-mediated glucose production was completely suppressed in dwarf mice, and stimulation of gastrocnemius and vastus muscle and adipose tissue glucose uptake was also enhanced in df/df mice (100, 86, and 65 %, respectively). These findings show that improved insulin signaling in df/df mice is associated with enhanced tissue-specific insulin action in vivo. This improved functionality of insulin action and glucose homeostasis may play a key role in promoting healthy aging and longer lifespan in df/df mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dwarfism, Pituitary / metabolism*
  • Insulin / blood*
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology*
  • Longevity / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin