FIGURE 3.

Metformin induces CAP mRNA and protein levels in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. A and C, total RNA was prepared for cells after 1 mm AICAR or 1 mm metformin treatment, and RT-PCR was conducted using specific primers. The PCR product was then gel run in 1% agarose and visualized in UV. β-Actin mRNA was employed as a positive control. Data in the bar graphs represent the mean ± S.E. (error bars) values of the ratios of densities (CAP mRNA/β-actin mRNA) for at least three individual Western blotting experiments. *, p < 0.05 versus basal values. B and D, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated for the indicated times with 1 mm AICAR or the indicated doses of metformin for 6 h. Cell lysates (25 μg) were analyzed via Western blotting (IB) with an anti-CAP antibody. Blotting with the anti-β-actin antibody was used as a protein-loading control. The results shown are representative of three independent experiments. Data in the bar graphs represent the mean ± S.E. values of the ratios of densities (CAP/β-actin) for at least three individual Western blotting experiments. *, p < 0.05 versus basal values.