Hypoglycaemic effect of metformin in genetically obese (fa/fa) rats results from an increased utilization of blood glucose by intestine.
The insulin-resistant obese fa/fa rat is a convenient model in which to study a potential effect of metformin, a biguanide used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, on insulin-mediated glucose utilization. Female fa/fa rats were given metformin orally for 8 days. Studies were performed on anaesthetized post-absorptive rats 5 h after the last dose of metformin. Glucose production and utilization were enhanced 1.5-fold in metformin-treated rats. The enhanced glucose production was almost entirely due to increased glucose recycling. The digestive tract was the only tissue responsible for the enhanced glucose utilization.
Pénicaud
L
L
Laboratoire de Physiologie du Dévelopement, Université Paris VII, L.A. 307 C.N.R.S., France.
Hitier
Y
Y
Ferré
P
P
Girard
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D008687:Metformin