Abstract
γ-Guanidinobutyramide (HL 523) was infused intravenously for 2 hr in anesthetized
dogs. It provoked progressive hypoglycemia which was associated with an increased
rate of glucose utilization and increased hepatic glucose output. The infusion of
HL 523 also caused increases in the plasmatic level of insulin and free fatty acids,
blood pressure and hematocrit. The increased rate of glucose utilization appeared
to be due not only to the insulinotropic action of HL 523 but also to a direct effect
of the drug upon glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. Thus, the hypoglycemic action
of HL 523 persisted despite prior administration of propanolol which resulted in reduced
levels of circulating insulin. No satisfactory explanation could be found for the
adrenergic-like effects, such as increase in the level of free fatty acids, blood
pressure and hematocrit.
Key words
γ-Guanidinobutyramide - Glycemia Free Fatty Acids - Plasma Insulin - Adrenergic Blocking
Agents
1 This work was supported in part by a grant from the Fonds National de la Recherche
Scientifique (W.J.M.), and by the association contract Euratom-Universities of Pisa
and Brussels (026-63-04 BIAC).
