Adjuvant effects of glyceryl esters of acetoacetic acid on rectal absorption of insulin and inulin in rabbits.

The promoting effect of glyceryl esters of acetoacetic acid on the rectal absorption of insulin and inulin was studied. A decrease in the serum glucose level was observed in rabbits following the administration of an insulin suppository containing glyceryl-1,3-diacetoacetate (adjuvant II) or 1,2-isopropylideneglycerine-3-acetoacetate (adjuvant IV). The promoting effects of adjuvants II and IV on the rectal absorption of insulin and inulin were suppressed by the addition of calcium and magnesium to the suppository. This indicates that adjuvant interaction with the calcium and magnesium ion located in the rectal membrane is involved in the enhanced absorption of insulin and inulin. Adjuvant release from the suppository formulation in addition to adjuvant lipid solubility were found to be other important factors for enhanced absorption of insulin and inulin.