Objective To study the
insulin resistance in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) by observing the effects of different concentrations
of insulin on the expression of insulin receptor (InsR) and FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) and their mRNA expression in VEC proliferation. Methods Rat VECs were cultured with enzyme digestion method and were identified by using immuocytochemical methods with factor Ⅷ antibody. The expressions of InsR mRNA and FKBP12 mRNA were detected by semi quantitative RT PCR. The effects of different concentrations of insulin on the expression of InsR, the growth rate of VEC, and the content of nitrogen monoxide (NO) in culture medium were also detected. Results Compared with those in the control group, the expressions of InsRmRNA and FKBP12 mRNA decreased and VEC proliferation and NO production in culture medium were inhibited in 1 U/ml insulin group. Conclusion VECs exposed to 1 U/ml insulin for 16 h may be able to induce a state of
insulin resistance which could be maintained for at least 24 h. FKBP12 may play a critical role in insulin resistance of VECs.