GLUCOSE FORMATION FROM METHYLGLYOXAL IN HEPATOCYTES FROM STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC MICE - THE EFFECT OF INSULIN

Acetol and methylglyoxal are intermediates of the intrahepatic metabol ism of acetone leading to pyruvate formation. In hepatocytes prepared from fasted streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, net glucose producti on could be measured from methylglyoxal but not from acetone or acetol . Insulin increased glucose formation from methylglyoxal in a concentr ation-dependent manner, whereas it was ineffective when pyruvate was u sed as substrate. Drug oxidation, as evidenced by p-aminophenol format ion from aniline, was enhanced by methylglyoxal, and insulin proved to be stimulatory in this case as well. It is concluded that insulin mig ht be involved in the regulation of glucose formation from methylglyox al, but its mode of action is not yet clear.