The effect of cyclophosphamide and vincristine on glucose absorption in rats using in vivo perfusion experiments

The effect in rats of cyclophosphamide and vincristine on glucose absorption was studied by the in vivo perfusion method. On testing the local effect of cytostatics, the drugs were dissolved in the perfusion solution, cyclophosphamide at a concentration of 10(-4) M and vincristine at 10(-6) M. Glucose absorption was not reduced by cyclophosphamide, while it was significantly reduced by vincristine. On testing the systemic effect of cytostatics, the drugs were administered intraperitoneally 24 hours prior to perfusion, i.e. in doses of 80 mg/kg in the case of cyclophosphamide, and of 0.05 mg/kg of vincristine. In that case, both cytostatics decreased glucose absorption significantly. Based on the results it was found that, being administered locally, cyclophosphamide did not have a damaging effect on the intestinal wall, and did not reduce absorption either. On the contrary, vincristine impaired the mucosa locally, thereby reducing glucose absorption. On systemic administration, both cytostatics decreased absorption from the small intestine.