Extrapancreatic action of sulphonylureas: effect of gliquidone on insulin and glucagon binding to rat liver plasma membranes.

Gliquidone (a second generation sulphonylurea) was administered orally to normal rats 1 h before killing. Gliquidone treatment led to a decrease in plasma glucose, an increase in insulin and a diminution in glucagon concentration. Insulin binding to liver plasma membranes was enhanced by 40% in comparison with controls, whereas glucagon binding was slightly diminished. These findings indicate a greater sensitivity of liver cells to insulin during sulphonylurea treatment and support the view that sulphonylureas potentiate insulin action on the liver.