St-93 hyperglycemia in Wistar rats

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist St-93 was evaluated for its effect on blood glucose levels in Wistar rats. A dose-dependent increase in blood glucose was observed in rats after intraperitoneal administration of St-93. The hyperglycemic effect of St-93 was not altered by prazosin and propranolol, whereas idazoxan significantly inhibited this effect. Pretreatment with reserpine did not affect the hyperglycemic effect of St-93. There was no significant increase in the blood glucose values with St-93 in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. It may be concluded that the hyperglycemia induced by St-93 is mediated through alpha 2-adrenoceptors, possibly located on pancreatic beta-cells.