Short-term infusion of interleukin-6 does not induce insulin resistance in vivo or impair insulin signalling in rats

Aims/hypothesis Interleukin-6 has been implicated in the insulin resistance associated with obesity and impaired glucose tolerance. Previous studies in vitro have shown that IL-6 rapidly (1–2 h) impairs cellular insulin signalling and action through an increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3. In the present study, IL-6 or saline was infused in rats that were simultaneously in a state of hyperinsulinaemia. Muscle, liver and adipose tissue were excised after 2 h to examine potential effects on insulin signalling or gene expression.