In Vitro Metabolism of Glucose by Human Skeletal Muscle Method and Normal Values

Abstract

A method for in vitro determination of glucose metabolism by human skeletal muscle tissue is presented. Muscle fibers were teased away from a biopsy specimen and incubated with glucose and [U-¹⁴C]glucose. The incorporation of label into glycogen, lipids, lactate, and CO₂was determined. The incorporation rate of glucose in muscle tissue from two age groups of patients was determined. All the patients were in an ordinary state of physical fitness and had normal arterial circulation in their legs. The rate of incorporation was the same in the rectus, the lateral vastus, and the gastrocnemius muscle tissue. No age and sex differences were found. The calculated uptake of glucose per gram muscle tissue was of the same order of magnitude as reported from in vivo studies using the forearm technique.

Key Words:

• [U-¹⁴C]glucose
• glucose metabolism
• skeletal muscle
• glycogen synthesis
• muscle
• lipid synthesis
• muscle
• skeletal muscle
• human