Effect of mianserin on streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia and metabolic alterations in rats

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of atypical antidepressant mianserin on glycemia levels and metabolic parameters of normoglycemic and diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Effects of mianserin administration on blood glucose levels in rats were assessed by measuring “fasting blood glucose”, “glycosylated haemoglobin” levels and conducting the “oral glucose tolerance test”. Changes in metabolic parameters such as food and water consumption and urine and faeces excretion were observed using metabolic cages. Results: Administration of mianserin for 7 and 14 days at doses of 30 and 45 mg/kg significantly reduced the hyperglycemia and elevated HbA1c levels; also improved hyperglycemia induced polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and increased faeces amounts. Mianserin, at both of the administrated doses, reduced the weight loss observed in diabetic animals. With regard to the anti-hyperglycaemic effect, mianserin administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg was found to be as effective as the reference drug metformin (dose, 1 g/kg). Conclusion: This study showed that the anti-hyperglycemic effect of mianserin, an atypical antidepressant, was comparable to those of the reference drug metformin. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying this anti-hyperglycemic effect of mianserin remain to be elucidated.