In vivo and in vitro effects of a new hypoglycemic agent, 2-(3-methylcinnamylhydrazono)-propionate (BM 42.304) on glucose metabolism in guinea pigs

A new compound, 2-(3-methylcinnamylhydrazono)-propionate (BM 42.304), showed a dose dependent hypoglycemic effect in starved guinea pigs after both oral and intraperitoneal administration. In contrast to biguanides (phenformin and metformin) the new compound produced only a moderate increase in blood lactate concentration and did not alter the content of adenine nucleotides in the freeze-clamped liver in vivo. Gluconeogenesis from a variety of precursors in the perfused guinea-pig liver was also inhibited by BM 42.304. These properties suggest that the compound deserves further investigation in connection with its potential usefulness for the treatment of diabetes.