Effect of rioprostil, a methylprostaglandin E1 analog, on basal and stimulated plasma pancreatic hormone levels in man.

The effect of rioprostil, a methylprostaglandin E1 analog on circulating pancreatic hormones was evaluated in 13 healthy male subjects. Rioprostil administration, 300 micrograms twice daily resulted in a significant decrease of fasting insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide. No change in fasting plasma glucose or somatostatin levels was observed. An oral glucose tolerance test induced similar increments in plasma glucose concentration before and during treatment, but a delayed rise of insulin and C-peptide levels occurred during the administration of the drug. On rioprostil, the glucose load no longer inhibited peripheral glucagon or somatostatin. Treatment with rioprostil remained without effect on mixed meal-induced changes in plasma glucose levels and concomitant increases in insulin, pancreatic polypeptide, and somatostatin levels. It is concluded that in healthy individuals rioprostil influences the basal and glucose-induced levels of glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin. In healthy men this effect did not, however, result in glucose intolerance.