Abstract
2-buten-4-0lide (2B40) is one of the gamma-lactone derivatives of short chain organic acid, such as 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid. It was identified in the blood plasma of rat, monkey, and other animals and in the CSF of rhesus monkey. Intraperioneal and Intracerebroventricral administration of 2B40 inhibits the neuronal activity of glucose sensitive neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (feeding center) and excites that of glucoreceptive neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (satiety center). To elucidate involvements of 2B40 in sensation of hunger or satiety in human, we investigated the response of 2B40 to the feeding in rhesus monkey and to the orally administration of glucose in human. The plasma concentration of 2B40 was measured using a computer controlled high resolution gas chromatograph. 2B40 in the fasted state was about 40 μM in the human plasma and 17.4 μM in the monkey's. Young femels who tested glucose start to increase at 60-120 min by 1.4 times and it recovers to the original level at 180 min.
