Factor(s) released by glucose-deprived astrocytes enhance glucose transporter expression and activity in rat brain endothelial cells.

Abstract Glucose transporter (GLUT) expression and regulation were studied in rat brain endothelial cells in primary culture (RBEC) and in immortalised RBE4 cells. Immunoblotting analysis showed a low expression of the endothelium-specific GLUT1 in RBEC and RBE4 cells compared to isolated brain capillaries. RBEC and RBE4 cells also expressed the GLUT3 isoform, whereas it was not present in isolated brain capillaries. No change in GLUT expression was observed in endothelial cells treated with astrocyte-conditioned medium. However, treatment with conditioned medium obtained from glucose-deprived astrocytes increased endothelial GLUT1 expression and glucose uptake. These results suggest that astrocytes submitted to hypoglycaemic conditions may release factor(s) that increase glucose uptake through the blood–brain barrier.