Effect of glipentide on galactose absorption and disaccharidase activity in rat small intestine

The effect of hypoglycemic sulfonylurea glipentide on galactose transport and disaccharidase activity has been studied in rat small intestine. When 2 x 10(-4) M glipentide is present in the mucosal bathing solution, galactose active transport is inhibited 30% both in vivo and in vitro. Treatment of rats with 5 mg/kg glipentide p.o. for 10 days does not modify galactose absorption of disaccharidase activity. Incubation of the enzymes with glipentide shows no direct effect of the drug on its hydrolytic activity. The effects of glipentide on sugar transport are slight, or non significant in maintaining low blood sugar levels.