Interactive Effects of Insulin and β-Estradiol on Protein Kinase B Phosphorylation in Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes

Insulin (INS) and β-estradiol (E2) have vascular effects partially through stimulation of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. Employing adult rat cardiomyocytes (ARC), the effects of acute (15 min) stimulation with INS (10 mIU/ml) and prolonged (2 hours and 24 hours) stimulation with E2 alone or in combination, were assessed with respect to protein levels of Akt. Exposure to INS for 15 minutes enhanced Akt Ser473 phosphorylation. The combined treatment had a greater effect on Akt phosphorylation then the effect of INS alone. The results suggest that INS and E2 may interact through Akt in regulating metabolic processes.