PIRIBEDIL, A DOPAMINE AGONIST MODULATE GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN DIABETIC RAT MODEL

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome presenting with multiple pathologies. Numerous regimens of antidiabetic drugs are in practice. Bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, is approved by the FDA for the management of hyperglycemia. Piribedil is a piperazine derivative. It has been authorized by the European Union for the treatment of depression, Parkinson’s disease, and restless leg syndrome. The objectives of this study were to investigate piribedil for treatment of hyperglycemia in diabetic rat model.

Materials & Methods: This in-vivo experimental study was duly approved by the Faculty Research Board and was conducted in Pharmacology Department, Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection in Sprague–Dawley rats. The animals were divided into normal control, diseased control, positive control (glimepiride 0.1 mg/kg), piribedil low dose (25 mg/kg), piribedil medium dose (50 mg/kg), and piribedil high dose (75 mg/kg). Treatment was given for 2 weeks. The body weights, and fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. The animals were euthanized, and blood samples were drawn through cardiac puncture. Plasma insulin levels were determined using rat ELISA kits.

Results: Piribedil significantly reduced blood glucose levels as compared to the diabetic group in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, serum insulin levels were significantly increased in all treatment groups (P<0.05). All treatment groups experienced a post-treatment reduction in HOMA-IR with glimepiride (3.52 ± 0.41) and high-dose piribedil (3.60 ± 0.27), showing the most substantial improvement. High dose piribedil and glimepiride groups demonstrated QUICKI values (0.316 ± 0.003) & (0.317 ± 0.005) respectively, comparable to the normal control (0.326 ± 0.003), indicating improved insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion: Piribedil operates by reducing fasting blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin production. These findings imply that piribedil may play a role in combating hyperglycemia.