Diazoxide prevents the development of hormonal and metabolic abnormalities present in rats fed a sucrose rich diet.

We have previously reported that normal Wistar rats fed an isocaloric, sucrose-rich (63%) diet (SRD) developed glucose intolerance and elevated triglyceride levels in plasma (P) as well as in heart (H) and liver (L) tissue. This metabolic state was accompanied by hyperinsulinism both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that a state of insulin resistance has developed. In order to gather information on the role of hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance in the development of the above lipid metabolism abnormalities, diazoxide, a known insulin release blocking agent was administered (120 mg/kg/day) together with the diet (SRD + DZX) for 22 days. Control groups fed a standard chow (STD) or the STD plus diazoxide (STD + DZX) were included in the study. Under the present experimental design, DZX was able to prevent the development of hyperinsulinism, glucose intolerance and elevated levels of triacylglycerol in plasma, heart and liver present in animals fed on a sucrose rich diet. Our results suggest that mechanisms involved in the development of this nutritionally induced syndrome may include an interaction of hyperinsulinemia, with a direct effect of sucrose on several steps of lipid metabolism.