The sulfonylureas (SULF) have long been utilized as oral agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (1). The primary effect of SULF is the stimulation of insulin secretion following binding to specific SULF receptors (SUR) on pancreatic β-cells. However, SUR have extensive representation in a multitude of extrapancreatic tissues. Therefore, it is not unanticipated that SULF may induce metabolic changes aside from that of insulin secretion. These drugs have been shown to increase glucose uptake and glucose transporter (GLUT) expression in myocytes, adipocytes, and skeletal muscle cells (2–5). Moreover, we have documented significant SULF-induced metabolic effects in cultured rat mesangial cells (MCs), including alterations in mesangial matrix metabolism and MC contractility, independent of their effect on the ambient level of glycemia. The latter effect mimicked that provided by other known MC effectors of contractility, for example, atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II.