The role of endothelial insulin signaling in the regulation of vascular tone and insulin resistance

• DOI: 10.1172/jci15211
• Publication Date: 2008-02-29T20:58:28Z
• Authors: David Vicent; Jacob Ilany; Tatsuya Kondo; Keiko Naruse; Simon J. Fisher; Yaz Y. Kisanuki; Sven Bursell; Masashi Yanagisawa; George L. King; C. Ronald Kahn
• Keywords: Homeostasis

Insulin receptors (IRs) on vascular endothelial cells have been suggested to participate in insulin-regulated glucose homeostasis. To directly address the role of insulin action function, we generated a cell IR knockout (VENIRKO) mouse using Cre-loxP system. Cultured endothelium VENIRKO mice exhibited complete rearrangement gene and more than 95% decrease mRNA. were born at expected Mendelian ratio, grew normally, fertile, normal patterns vasculature retina other tissues. Glucose homeostasis under basal condition was comparable mice. Both eNOS endothelin-1 mRNA levels, however, reduced by approximately 30–60% cells, aorta, heart, while EGF expression maintained levels. Arterial pressure tended be lower both low- high-salt diets, low-salt diet showed resistance. Thus, inactivation has no major consequences development or conditions, but alters vasoactive mediators may play maintaining tone regulation sensitivity dietary salt intake.