Effect of Coenzyme Q on Hypercitricemia Induced by Alloxan-Diabetes

Abstract

Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone) is widely distributed in the animal, plant and microorganism kingdoms including human beings, and is now generally recognized to have an important role in the electron transport system. However, the physiological actions of this substance have not yet exactly known. The objectives of this study are to clarify the protective and restorative effects of coenzyme Q on the hypercitricemia arising from alloxan treatment.Young male rats of the Wistar strain, weighing 150 to 200gm. , were used. Rats were made diabetic by the intravenous administration by tail vein in doses of 80mg. of alloxan monohydrate/Kg. of body weight after deprivation of food overnight. At 24 hours following alloxanization, hypercitricemia and hyperglycemia were apparent.Single intraperitoneal administration of 100mg. coenzyme Q7/Kg. of body weight given before alloxaninzation protected against both the hypercitricemia and hyperglycemia arising from alloxan.As a restorative effect of coenzyme Q, the diabetic rats were used 2-4 weeks after receiving alloxan.The rats received 2 intramuscular injections of coenzyme Q7 at 12 hours interval in total doses of 400mg/l Kg. of body weight. At 24 hours later after the first administration of coenzyme Q7 the hypercitricemia induced by alloxan trended to reduce toward the normal level, but there was no significant effect on hyperglycemia.