| abstract |
An induction of TNF-α mRNA expression has been observed in adipose tissue from four different insulin resistant rodent models of obesity and diabetes. TNF-α protein was also elevated locally and systemically. Neutralization of TNF-α in obese fa/fa rats caused a significant increase in the peripheral uptake of glucose in response to insulin. A method of treating an animal suffering from insulin resistance in obesity linked Type II diabetes mellitus is disclosed. The method includes providing a therapeutic agent that includes an antagonist to TNF-α function in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier substance and administering a pharmacologically effective amount of the therapeutic agent to the animal. |