[The effect of age on the in vitro insulin response in the rat. II. Glucose metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue (author's transl)].

A decrease of the basal glucose metabolism with sensescence in the isolated rat adipose tissue has been demonstrated. In the presence of insulin, the oxidation of (U14C)-D-glucose and its incorporation into triglycerides are significantly increased at all ages studied. No significant difference between groups of animals was noted when the insulin-stimulating effect was related to basal metabolism. The synthesis of fatty acids from glucose is highly enhanced by insulin at 6 weeks, poorly at 6 months and no more at 24 months. It is concluded that the insulin sensitivity of the rat adipose tissue is not affected by ageing. Nevertheless, as far as fatty acid synthesis is concerned, a different metabolic pathway could be involved.