L-cysteine increases glucose uptake in mouse soleus muscle and SH-SY5Y cells

Previous investigation demonstrated the potential of L-cysteine (L-Cys) at high concentrations to cause hypoglycemia in mice totally deprived of insulin. For further elucidation of the glucose-lowering mechanism, glucose uptake and quantity of glucose transporters (GLUTs 3 and 4) in mouse soleus muscle and C2C12 muscle cells, as well as in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, were investigated. A marked enhancement of glucose uptake was demonstrated, peaking at 5.0 mM L-Cys in soleus muscle (P < 0.05) and SH-SY5Y cells (P < 0.001), respectively. In contrast, glucose uptake was not affected in the C2C12 muscle cells. Kinetic analysis of the SH-SY5Y glucose uptake showed a 2.5-fold increase in maximum transport velocity compared with controls (P < 0.001). In addition, both GLUT3 and GLUT4 levels were increased following exposure to L-Cys. Our findings point to a possible hypoglycemic effect of L-Cys.