Insulinotropic action of L-rhamnose in isolated rat islets

L-Rhamnose at different concentrations stimulated incorporation of 3H-leucine both into islet (pro)insulin and that released into the medium. Maximum isotope incorporation with either glucose or rhamnose was seen at a concentration of 16.7 mM, although the glucose-induced effect was significantly greater. Like glucose, rhamnose also enhance the activities of acid phosphatase and cathepsin B in isolated rat islets.