The acute effects after administration of 3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-inositol, D-Chiro-inositol
and manganese, components of the pH 2.0 putative mediator of insulin action, on plasma
glucose were examined in low dose streptozotocin-treated rats. 3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-inositol
at a bolus dose of 5 mg/kg decreased plasma glucose 6% at 120 min (p < 0.05). A higher
bolus dose of 3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-inositol (15 mg/kg) promoted a more persistent hypoglycemic
effect of 22% at 120 min (p < 0.05). Infusion of 8.3 µg/min of manganese chloride
lowered plasma glucose by 23% (p < 0.05). 3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-inositol (15 mg/kg) together
with manganese chloride (8.3 µg/min) promoted a reduction of 49% in 120 min (p < 0.05).
D-Chiro-inositol at a bolus dose of 5 mg/kg had no effect. A single dose of 15 mg/kg
produced a reduction of 21% (p < 0.05) in 120 min D-Chiro-inositol (15 mg/kg) associated
with manganese chloride (8.3 µg/min) decreased elevated plasma glucose 47% (p < 0.05)
in 120 min. D-Chiro-inositol coadministered with manganese reduced glucose concentrations
during the final 60 min (p < 0.05). 3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-inositol and D-chiro-inositol
are components of the mediator structure. Manganese is also a presumed component of
the mediator, having an important role in glucose uptake, insulin relase and mediator
generation. These compounds have also been identified in the literature as hypogylcemic
agents.
Key words
3-O-Methyl-D-Chiro-Inositol - Manganese - Insulin - Mediator - D-Chiro-Inositol
