In vivo stimulation of insulin release by 2-deoxy-D-glucose tetraacetate

Both the alpha- and beta-anomer of 2-deoxy-D-glucose tetraacetate, when inj ected intravenously (40 nmol/g/body wt) into fed anaesthetized rats, provok ed a modest increase in plasma insulin concentration. The raised level was sustained over 30 min. There was apparent preference for the cc-anomer. Thi s finding is consistent with the proposal that the esters of selected monos accharides that are not available to augment glycolysis in pancreatic islet cells could conceivably be used as insulinotropic tools in noninsulin-depe ndent diabetes mellitus. Med Sci Res 27:57-59 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.