Different effects of the antidepressant drugs imipramine, maprotiline and bupropion on insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic islets.

In some previous studies, acute administration of some antidepressants has been reported to cause significant changes in the levels of blood glucose and insulin in the rabbit. In the present study the effects of several antidepressants representing classical groups of antidepressants, namely imipramine (CAS 50-49-7, I), maprotiline (CAS 10347-81-6, M) and bupropion (CAS 34911-55-2, (B) on insulin secretion from the isolated islets of Langerhans in mice was studied. Maprotiline and bupropion stimulated insulin release, while imipramine was without any effect in presence of 8.3 mmol/l glucose. On the other hand, in presence of 16.7 mmol/l imipramine and maprotiline suppressed the stimulated insulin secretion. Bupropion inversely significantly stimulated the insulin secretion in presence of 16.7 mmol/l glucose. It is concluded that the changes of blood glucose and plasma insulin observed in vivo may at least in part be due to respective changes of insulin secretion. The treatment of diabetic patients receiving antidepressant drugs with hypoglycaemic agents should be taken in consideration.