Inhibition of Glucose Uptake by 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose in Chick Embryo Heart. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusion

2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) inhibits glucose uptake by 5- and 9-day-old hearts in vitro. Insulin does not modify the effect of 2-DG. The results are compatible with the generally held beliefs that 2-DG inhibits the intracellular phosphorylation of glucose and, confirming the results obtained with other tissues, demonstrate the potential usefulness of chick embryo hearts at various stages of development for studies of glucose transport and insulin action.

2-deoxyglucose inhibits glucose uptake by 5- as well as 9-day-old chick embryo heart. This inhibition is not modified by addition of insulin. The lack of insulin effect, as well as the previously demonstrated facts that the 5-day-old chick embryo heart is freely permeable to glucose and is not sensitive to insulin, are compatible with the belief that 2-DG acts by inhibiting the intracellular phosphorylation of glucose. These results constitute further evidence for the usefulness of the chick embryo heart in studies of glucose transport and insulin action.