In vivo stimulation of insulin release by the monoethyl, monopropyl, monoisopropyl, monoallyl and diallyl esters of succinic acid.

ABSTRACT

The methyl esters of succinic acid are potent insulin secretagogues, currently under investigation as possible tools in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The in vivo administration of these esters may result, however, in the undesirable generation of methanol. The present study reveals that other esters of succinic acid, such as the monoethyl, monopropyl, monoisopropyl, monoallyl and diallyl esters, stimulate insulin release when administered intravenously in a dose of 2 mumol/g body weight to anaesthetized fed rats. This indicates that several succinic acid esters, that are not susceptible to lead, through their intracellular hydrolysis, to the production of methanol remain efficient in vivo as insulin secretagogues.