Effects of beta-hydroxy butyric acid on insulin binding to its receptor and on autophosphorylation of the receptor.

We examined the effects of beta-hydroxy butyric acid (B-OH-butyrate) on insulin binding to its receptor and on autophosphorylation of the receptor in vitro. The affinity of isolated rat adipocyte insulin receptors was significantly increased by B-OH-butyrate at neutral pH. Similar results were obtained with soluble insulin receptors prepared from hepatocytes. Autophosphorylation of insulin receptor, however, was not affected by OH-butyrate at neutral pH. These results suggested insulin resistance in ketoacidosis is not caused by an interaction between B-OH-butyrate and the insulin receptor.