EFFECT OF ACARBOSE (ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITOR) ON DISACCHARASE ACTIVITY IN SMALL-INTESTINE IN KK-AY AND DDY MICE

The hypoglycemic effect and the alpha-glucosidase activity inhibition of acarbose (AC: alpha-glucosidase inhibitor) were investigated in nor mal and KK-Ay mice, an animal model of noninsulin-dependent diabetes m ellitus (NIDDM). AC improved hyperglycemia after an oral administratio n of maltose or sucrose, dose dependently in normal mice (1, 10, and 5 0 mg/kg body weight) and in KK-Ay mice (50 mg/kg), Furthermore, AC (50 mg/kg) significantly inhibited maltase and sucrase activities in the small intestines of normal and XK-Ay mice (inhibitory efficacy: sucras e>maltase). The enzymatic inhibition in KK-Ay mice is stronger than in normal mice. However, AC (50 mg/kg) did not suppress the blood glucos e in oral lactose tolerance and did not inhibit the lactase activity i n either normal or KK-ASI mice. These findings indicate that the AC ef fect on the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity is selective for sucrase and maltase in normal and NIDDM mice.