BVT.3531 reduces body weight and activates K(ATP) channels in isolated arcuate neurons in rats.

A number of hormones, including leptin, have been shown to inhibit food intake in humans and animals. Analogues of 3-guanidinopropionic acid have also been found to reduce total food intake, but their mechanisms of action have not been well studied. The present study investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular infusion of the analogue BVT.

The aminoguanidine carboxylate BVT.12777 activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the rat insulinoma cell line, CRI-G1.

Background: 3-guanidinopropionic acid derivatives reduce body weight in obese, diabetic mice. We have assessed whether one of these analogues, the aminoguanidine carboxylate BVT.12777, opens KATP channels in rat insulinoma cells, by the same mechanism as leptin.