Insulin mimetic role of vanadate on plasma membrane insulin-receptors.

Vanadate possesses insulin-mimetic effects, and has been reported to correct the metabolic imbalances in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats were made diabetic by a single i.v. injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight) in citrate buffer. After the onset of diabetes, the diabetic rats were treated with sodium orthovanadate (0.3 mg/ml) for 15 days. The increased percentage of 125 I insulin binding to the liver plasma membrane insulin receptors and increased plasma membrane phospholipids were found to be reduced significantly in vanadate treated diabetes. Hence the mode of action of vanadate may be similar to that insulin.