The Effects of Skeletal Muscle Specific Cpt1b Knock Out on Genetically Obese Ay Mice

Author

Allison StoneFollow

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2020

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition and Food Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Fatty acid oxidation inhibition is one approach to reducing blood glucose levels in type II diabetes. Skeletal muscle specific Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1b knockout mice (Cpt1b^m-/-) cannot transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to be oxidized in order to produce energy. Cpt1b^m-/- mice have debilitated fat oxidation, less fat mass and improved glucose utilization compared to control C57BL/6 mice fed a 25% fat diet.

We hypothesized that CPT1b inhibition could reduce fat mass and lower blood glucose levels in a genetic mouse model of obesity and diabetes. To test this, we bred Cpt1b^m-/- mice to A^Y mice. A^Y mice, also referred to as lethal yellow mice, are mutated at the mouse agouti locus causing a yellow coat. A^Y mice are prone to obesity, diabetes, tumors and cancers. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of extended inhibition of fatty acid transport into skeletal muscle mitochondria in A^Y: Cpt1b^m-/- mice.

Compared to A^Y mice, A^Y: Cpt1b^m-/- mice were more insulin sensitive and glucose tolerant. A^Y: Cpt1b^m-/- mice showed improved performance on glucose and insulin tolerance tests despite minimal differences in fat mass between groups. However, liver weights of A^Y: Cpt1b^m-/- mice were significantly less than liver weights of A^Y mice.

Recommended Citation

Stone, Allison, "The Effects of Skeletal Muscle Specific Cpt1b Knock Out on Genetically Obese Ay Mice" (2020). LSU Master's Theses. 5111.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5111

Committee Chair

Mynatt, Randall

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5111