Insulin and microtubules in rat adipocytes.

Insulin appears to promote microtubule assemblty in rat adipocytes. Neithler oxytocin nor high concentrations of glucose has this effect. Colchicine inihibits stimulation by insulin of lipid and glycogen synthesis without influencing stimulation by insulin of glucose oxidation. The anabolic effects of oxytocin or high concentrations of glucose are not inhibited by colchicine. The "directive effect" of insulin may involve microtubules.