Glucagon and insulin have opposite effects on tissue chromium distribution in an obese mouse model.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have suggested that chromium (Cr) is an essential cofactor for normal carbohydrate metabolism and affects insulin sensitivity, especially in rodent models. Several factors, such as insulin challenge, high carbohydrate intake, and response to stress (e.g., in obesity), alter Cr excretion or distribution. Glucagon is known to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and hyperglucagonemia plays a role in the development of hyperglycemia in diabetic subjects.


METHODS
In the present study we investigated possible modulation of Cr levels by glucagon using an obese mouse model. Mice were kept on a high-fat diet and then used as an obesity model. These obese mice were injected with one dose of glucagon or insulin and Cr levels in their tissues were determined.


RESULTS
In obese mice, glucagon challenge significantly increased Cr levels in bone but decreased them in the fat and liver. In contrast, insulin challenge significantly decreased Cr levels in bone but increased them in the fat, liver and muscle.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that glucagon and insulin have opposite effects on Cr levels in bone, fat, liver, and muscle.
Department of Veterinary Medicine National Chung-Hsing University Taichung Taiwan.
Chang
C
Lin
Department of Nursing St. Mary's Medicine Nursing and Management College Yilan Taiwan.
Po-Wen
PW
Chen
Department of Veterinary Medicine National Chung-Hsing University Taichung Taiwan.
Wen-Ying
WY
Chen
Department of Veterinary Medicine National Chung-Hsing University Taichung Taiwan.
Chi-Ching
CC
Sun
Department of Veterinary Medicine National Chung-Hsing University Taichung Taiwan ; Agricultural Biotechnology Center National Chung-Hsing University Taichung Taiwan.
Frank Chiahung
FC
Mao
Chromium; Glucagon; Insulin