[Action of alkaloids from podophyllin on the response of pancreatic beta-cells of the rabbit to tolbutamide].

Some antineoplastic agents alter the microtubular-microfilamentous system involved in insulin release. The authors studied the effect of the podophyllotoxin derivate VM-26 and the epipodophyllotoxin derivative VP-16-213 on the insulin release by the pancreatic beta-cell after tolbutamide stimulation. VP-16-213 produced a slowing and partial inhibition of insulin release, and VM-26 inhibited the late stage of insulin release.