Phenformin-induced alterations of small intestinal function and mitochondrial structure in man
Arvanitakis, C.; Lorenzsonn, V.; Olsen, W.A.
Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine 82(2): 195-200
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-2143 PMID: 4721376 Document Number: 61137
Jejunal absorption rates were measured by a segmental perfusion technique in 5 patients without intestinal disease before and 75 min after they had ingested 100 mg of the hypoglycaemic drug phenformin. The drug reduced mean glucose absorption from 4532 to 2341 mu moles/h segment, water absorption from 228 to -25 mu moles/h segment and N absorption from 1700 to 400 mu -equiv/h segment. Mucosal biopsies appeared normal by light microscopy but electron microscopy showed that matrix granules from absorptive cell mitochondria throughout most of the villus had disappeared completely, suggesting that absorption rates are reduced by phenformin as a result of mitochondrial injury.