EFFECT OF PRAZIQUANTEL ON SERUM GLUCOSE AND INSULIN LEVELS IN NORMAL AND HYPERGLYCEMIC RATS

The effects of praziquantel (CAS 55268-74-1) on serum glucose and insu lin levels in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats were studied. Also the combined effect of praziquantel and glibenclamide (CAS 10238-21-8) on oral glucose tolerance in rats was investigated. Praziquantel, giv en orally in a dose of 250 mg/kg, significantly increased serum glucos e level in hyperglycemic rats without changing serum insulin level. Af ter oral glucose load, praziquantel produced a significant increase in serum glucose level and antagonized the hypoglycemic action of gliben clamide. These results indicat that praziquantel significantly increas ed serum glucose level in both hyperglycemic rats and after glucose lo ad. Since insulin levels are not significantly altered by praziquantel , the hyperglycemic effect of this drug may be attributed to inhibitio n of peripheral glucose utilization. Care should be taken if praziquan tel is prescribed to diabetic patients.