EFFECTS OF 5-METHOXYINDOLE-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID ON CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM

The hypoglycemie effect of 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) has been investigated. MICA promotes neither the uptake of glucose or galactose by peripheral tissues nor the oxidation of glucose, and therefore is not insulin-like. Because it does not produce insulin-like effects and because it is active in the alloxanized mouse, it is not an insulin releaser. MICA blocks gluconeogenesis both in vivo and in the perfused liver; it is proposed that MICA causes hypoglycemia by interfering with gluconeogenesis. MICA depletes liver glycogen even in the face of exogenous hyperglycemia. © 1969.