Abstract
The direct effect of tolbutamide, chlorpropamide and phenformin on glucose metabolism
by adipose tissue has been studied in the rat epididymal fat pad. Phenformin at concentrations
of 1 to 100 µgm/ml caused a progressive doserelated decrease in basal and insulin
stimulated glucose oxidation and incorporation into lipid. These effects could not
be accounted for by diminished glucose uptake since phenformin at 100 µgm/ml increased
basal glucose uptake and did not interfere with the stimulating effect of insulin
on this parameter.
Tolbutamide and chlorpropamide at 1000 µgm/ml increased glucose oxidation and incorporation
into lipid but at 50 and 250 µgm/ml were without effect.
These findings may be of significance in relation to the weight changes seen in diabetic
patients treated with these drugs.
Key words
Rat Epididymal Fat Pads - Glucose Oxidation - Glucose Incorporation into Lipid - Glucose
Uptake - Tolbutamide - Chlorpropamide - Phenformin
