Abstract
Recent studies suggest that interleukin 6 (IL-6) is released from contracting skeletal muscles; however, the cellular origin, secretion kinetics, and signaling mechanisms regulating IL-6 secretion are unknown. To address these questions, we developed imaging methodology to study IL-6 in fixed mouse muscle fibers and in live animals in vivo. Using confocal imaging to visualize endogenous IL-6 protein in fixed muscle fibers, we found IL-6 in small vesicle structures distributed throughout the fibers under basal (resting) conditions. To determine the kinetics of IL-6 secretion, intact quadriceps muscles were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged IL-6 (IL-6-EGFP), and 5 days later anesthetized mice were imaged before and after muscle contractions in situ. Contractions decreased IL-6-EGFPcontaining vesicles and protein by 62% (P < 0.05), occurring rapidly and progressively over 25 min of contraction. However, contractionmediated IL-6-EGFP reduction was normal in muscle-specific AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) a2-inactive transgenic mice. In contrast, the AMPK activator AICAR decreased IL-6-EGFP vesicles, an effect that was inhibited in the transgenic mice. In conclusion, resting skeletal muscles contain IL-6positive vesicles that are expressed throughout myofibers. Contractions stimulate the rapid reduction of IL-6 in myofibers, occurring through an AMPKa2-independent mechanism. This novel imaging methodology clearly establishes IL-6 as a contraction-stimulated myokine and can be used to characterize the secretion kinetics of other putative myokines.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Diabetes |
Vol/bind | 62 |
Udgave nummer | 9 |
Sider (fra-til) | 3081-92 |
Antal sider | 12 |
ISSN | 0046-0192 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - sep. 2013 |