The influence of 2,2-dimethyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-propanone (SaH 50-283) on food efficiency in rats

The present studies were undertaken to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of action of 2,2-dimethyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-propanone (SaH 50-283) on food efficiency in rats. SaH 50-283, unlike phenformin (DBI), did not inhibit glucose absorption. However, hyperglycemia induced by oral maltose, lactose or starch load was markedly inhibited in animals pretreated with SaH 50-283. The ED25 for lowering blood sugar levels following an oral maltose load was calculated to be 12 mg/kg. SaH 50-283 could be administered as long as 7 hr prior to a maltose load and still maintain its effect. Food efficiency was significantly (P less than .01) lowered in rats pretreated with SaH 50-283 1 hr prior to a 2 hr feeding period of a purified high carbohydrate diet. It was concluded that the lowering of maltase activity in the brush border of animals treated with SaH 50-283 could partially account for its mechanism of action in lowering food efficiency in rats.