Effect of a zinc phosphate suspension of a long-acting somatostatin analog on postprandial plasma glucose, triglyceride and glucagon concentrations in alloxan diabetic dogs.

The effects of a zinc phosphate suspension of a long-acting, reportedly selective somatostatin analog, Des-Ala1,Gly2 [His4,5,D-Try]-somatostatin (100 micrograms/kg) on postprandial plasma glucose, glucagon, xylose and triglyceride levels were evaluated in alloxan diabetic dogs. Compared to the analog in aqueous solution, the zinc phosphate suspension had a more gradual onset of action in suppressing plasma glucose and xylose levels but a similar onset of action on suppression of plasma triglyceride and glucagon responses. On all these responses, the zinc suspension had a duration of action (greater than 6 hrs) at least three times as long as the aqueous solution. We conclude that such a somatostatin analog in zinc phosphate suspension may have a sufficient duration of action to be useful as an adjunct to insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.