Changes in prostaglandin E₁ stimulation of glucose oxidation in rat adipocytes during maturation and aging

Prostaglandin E₁ stimulates glucose oxidation in isolated rat adipocytes in a time and concentration dependent manner. Maximal stimulation requires 2 hours exposure to prostaglandin, although effects can be detected by 0.5 hours or earlier. In contrast to prostaglandin E₁, prostaglandin F₂α has essentially no effect on glucose oxidation. Maximal stimulation by prostaglandin E₁ at all ages tested occurs at concentrations of 10^-5 - 10^-4M. Stimulation is greatest in cells of mature (10-12 month old) animals at 81 ± 9% above basal levels of glucose oxidation. This is to reduced to 48 ± 8% in cells of senescent (23-26 month old) animals, and at 23 ± 18% in cells of young (2-3 month old) rats is not significantly different from basal oxidation in most animals. These results are consistent with data for adipocytes and other cell types indicating that responsiveness to certain hormones is altered during maturation and aging.