Adiponectin receptor 2 expression in liver and insulin resistance in db/db mice given a β3-adrenoceptor agonist

Abstract Our aim was to determine the effect of a β 3 -adrenoceptor agonist on plasma adiponectin levels and on the level of expression of mRNA for adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 1, and adiponectin receptor 2 in db / db mice. Two weeks' oral administration of CL-316,243 led to decreased plasma levels of hemoglobin A1c, glucose, insulin, triglyceride and free fatty acid, and to an increased plasma adiponectin levels. It also improved insulin resistance in the oral glucose tolerance test. Adiponectin mRNA expression was significantly higher in the CL-316,243-treatment group than in the control group in epididymal white adipose tissue but not in brown adipose tissue, soleus muscle or liver. Adiponectin receptor 2 mRNA expression was significantly lower only in the liver of the CL-316,243-treatment group (versus the control group). These results suggest that the increased plasma adiponectin levels seen in db / db mice treated with this β 3 -adrenoceptor agonist induce a down-regulation of adiponectin receptor 2 mRNA expression specifically in the liver.