Membranotropic effects of glucocorticoids. Effect of hydrocortisone on D-glucose uptake by isolated hepatocytes

Abstract

Hydrocortisone immobilized on polyvinylpyrrolidone did not affect D-glucose uptake by hepatocytes, while free hydrocortisone in a concentration of 10 ~tM or higher decreased the initial rate of this process. Hydrocortisone-induced inhibition was dose-dependent and related to a decrease in the maximum rate of D-glucose uptake. Polyvinylpyrrolidone-immobilized hydrocortisone potentiated the effects of free hormone. Membranotropic effect of hydrocortisone on D-glucose transport into hepatocytes was associated with a decreased number of glucose carrier molecules or their turnover, rather than with lowered affinity of transport systems for glucose.