Use of Aglepristone in the treatment of P4 induced insulin resistance in dogs

The insulin resistance (IR) in dog is suspected when hyperglycemia is present despite administration of insulin doses greater than 1.0 to 1.5 UI/kg for each injection. IR is caused by increase in counter regulatory hormones concentrations (glucagon, glucocorticoids, catecholamines and growth hormone). The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Aglepristone (RU 46534), a P4 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of IR diabetes mellitus in bitches during luteal phase. In our study we considered eight diabetics intact bitches classified as having a P4 induced IR diabetes mellitus, that received insulin administration greater than 1.5 IU/Kg. All animals were treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin®) and with Aglepristone (Alizin®) 10 mg/kg SC. Bitches in diestrus received the drug at day 1, 2, 9 and 17 from diagnosis. At day 5 no significant variation of glycemia was shown. At day 12 and 20 serum glucose concentrations were significant lower (p<0.05). From day 12 the insulin dose was reduced to 0.8 IU BID. Insulin was reduced in the following weeks and glycemia was controlled.