Research Article

Acupuncture Alters Expression of Insulin Signaling Related Molecules and Improves Insulin Resistance in OLETF Rats

Figure 2

Effects of acupuncture on mRNA expressions of IRS1, IRS2, PI3K-p85α, Akt2, aPKCζ, aPKCλ, and GLUT4 in skeletal muscle of OLETF rats. Acupuncture was applied to the indicated region for 20 min per day, over the course of 21 days. Following administration, the musculus quadriceps femoris was obtained. Relative mRNA expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Data are showed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) ( each group). versus SD group; and versus OLETF group. IRS1: insulin receptor substrate 1; IRS2: insulin receptor substrate 2; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase; PKC: protein kinase C; GLUT4: glucose transporter 4; Akt2: protein kinase B beta.