Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(10): 785-794
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038404
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Skeletal Muscle Pathways of Contraction-Enhanced Glucose Uptake

J. M. Santos1 , S. B. Ribeiro1 , A. R. Gaya1 , H.-J. Appell2 , J. A. Duarte1
  • 1CIAFEL, Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Portugal
  • 2Department of Physiology & Anatomy, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision January 21, 2008

Publication Date:
09 April 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Muscle contraction acutely increases glucose transport in both healthy and type 2 diabetic individuals. Since glucose uptake during muscle contraction has been observed in the absence of insulin, the existence of an insulin-independent pathway has been suggested to explain this phenomenon. However, the exact mechanism behind the translocation of GLUT4 vesicles through the sarcolemma during muscle contraction is still unknown. Some substances, such as AMPK and calcium activated proteins, have been suggested as potential mediators but the exact mechanisms of their involvement remain to be elucidated. A hypothetical convergence point between the insulin cascade and the potential pathways triggered by muscle contraction has been suggested. Therefore, the earliest concept that two different routes exist in skeletal muscle has been progressively modified to the notion that glucose uptake is induced by muscle contraction via components of the insulin pathway. With further consideration, increased glucose uptake and enhanced insulin sensitivity observed during/after exercise might be explained by a metabolic- and calcium-dependent activation of several intermediate molecules of the insulin cascade. This paper aimed to review the literature in order to examine in detail these concepts behind muscle contraction-induced glucose uptake.

References

Prof. Jose Alberto Duarte

University of Porto
CIAFEL, Faculty of Sports

Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91

4200-450 Porto

Portugal

Fax: + 35 12 25 50 06 89

Email: jarduarte@fade.up.pt