Insulin receptors: differences in structural organization on adipocyte and liver plasma membranes.
Comparison was made of the distribution of the insulin receptor sites on adipocyte and liver plasma membranes by using ferritin-insulin. Two-thirds of the occupied insulin receptors on adipocytes occurred in groups of two or more whereas up to two-thirds of the receptors on liver occurred as single receptors. Ferritin-insulin did not cause aggregation of the receptor sites in either tissue. The naturally occurring groups of receptors on adipocyte membranes may play a role in the greater sensitivity of adipocytes to insulin.
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011485:Protein Binding; D051381:Rats; D011972:Receptor, Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds
D007328:Insulin; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D011972:Receptor, Insulin