p-Synephrine stimulates glucose consumption via AMPK in L6 skeletal muscle cells

Interest in p-synephrine, the primary protoalkaloid in the extract of bitter orange and other citrus species, has increased due to its various pharmacological effects and related adverse effects. The lipolytic activity of p-synephrine has been repeatedly revealed by in vitro and in vivo studies and p-synephrine is currently marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss. The present study investigated the effect of p-synephrine on glucose consumption and its action mechanism in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Treatment of L6 skeletal muscle cells with p-synephrine (0–100 μM) did not affect cell viability and increased basal glucose consumption up to 50% over the control in a dose-dependent manner. The basal- or insulin-stimulated lactic acid production as well as glucose consumption was significantly increased by the addition of p-synephrine. p-Synephrine stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK but not of Akt. p-Synephrine-induced glucose consumption was sensitive to the inhibition of AMPK but not to the inhibition of PI3 kinase. p-Synephrine also stimulated the translocation of Glut4 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane; this stimulation was suppressed by the inhibition of AMPK, but not of PI3 kinase. Taken together, p-synephrine can stimulate glucose consumption (Glut4-dependent glucose uptake) by stimulating AMPK activity, regardless of insulin-stimulated PI3 kinase-Akt activity in L6 skeletal muscle cells.

► p-Synephrine is currently used as a dietary supplement for weight reduction.
► We investigated the role of p-synephrine in glucose consumption by skeletal muscle cells.
► p-Synephrine stimulates the basal- and insulin-induced lactic acid production as well as glucose consumption.
► AMPK plays a crucial role in p-synephrine-stimulated glucose consumption.