Abstract
Cyproheptadine (Cyp.) is a pharmacological compound antagonistic to both histamine and serotonin. In a recent study it was well established that Cyp. acts to increase body weight by stimulating the appetite. Drash, A. et al (1966) has comfirmed that the fasting blood glucose level of young adults receiving Cyp. was lowered irrespective of the blood insulin level (IRI) From these data a primary effects of Cyp. on the cell permeability to glucose in peripheral tissues was suggested.
In this study we examined the effect of Cyp. on carbohydrate metabolism in the rat in vivo and in vitro.
In the present experiment in vivo, the fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (blood glucose and IRI), and the intraperitoneal insulin sensitivity test were determined in 10 albino Donryu rats (male, 250-300g) which were administered Cyp. (0.1mg/ 100g/ day) for three days.
Glucose uptake by hemidiaphragm and epididymal adipose tissue excised from rats treated with Cyp. was compared to that of nontreated rats.
Fasting blood glucose were decreased in Cyp. treated rats compared to control rats. However changes of the oral glucose tolerance test and the intraperitoneal insulin sensitivity test after the administration of Cyp. were not significant. On the other hand, the in vitro experiment showed an increasing tendency for glucose uptake and significant augmentation of the insulin effect in Cyp. treate vrats.
From these data it is suggested that Cyp. may promote glucose utilization and enhance the insulin effect in peripheral tissues. Hereafter, clinical application of Cyp. for the treatment of insulin-dependent juvenile diabetics anticipating the above effects were suggested.
