A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ACTION OF THREE HYPOGLYCEMIC COMPOUNDS ON THE BLOOD SUGAR AND THE ISLET CELLS OF THE PANCREAS IN THE RAT

Abstract

Results of a study of the action of p-aminobenzolsulfonamide isopropylthiodiazol (IPTD), carbutamide and tolbutamide in the rat reveal the following: the disappearance rate from the blood of carbutamide is higher and the degree of its conjugation in the urine lower when compared to IPTD. The blood sugar lowering effect is of shorter duration after tolbutamide administration than after the administration of carbutamide. With IPTD irregular blood sugar curves are obtained when submaximal doses are given. Long-term intraperitoneal administration of IPTD is characterized by local reactions and a relative loss of weight but such changes are not characteristic of long term administration of either of the other compounds tested. Histological examination of the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands of rats receiving the compounds showed no drug-induced abnormalities. None of the 3 hypoglycemic compounds in the dosage or time period used produced changes in the alpha or beta islet cells of the pancreas when compared with control animals.