Induction of diabetes in Wistar rats: is the streptozotocin model feasible at any age?

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. Because of its high morbidity and mortality, animal models of diabetes are indispensable to achieve a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and discover new treatments. The classic used model to induce type 1 DM involves streptozotocin (STZ) administration and it is well known that the association of streptozotocin with a high fat diet also induces type 2 DM. However, these studies are performed in rats between 60-90 days and should be performed in older animals because aging is a major risk factor for other diseases, that occur concomitantly with DM. Thus, this study evaluated diabetes in aged Wistar rats at 300 days. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg STZ. Three days after DM induction, the rats exhibited alterations in clinical signs and increases in the levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine. Microscopic changes were observed in the kidneys and liver. These findings indicate that this model is not feasible in rats at 300 days of age and should not be attempted by other research groups or should be performed by researchers who want to study the complications of diabetes.

The Potential Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Some Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Hyperglycemic Rats

“…STZ is routinely used to produce diabetic animals for research purposes. On a molecular level, it is similar to glucose, having a cytotoxic effect on pancreatic beta cells [9]. In the current study, STZ was used successfully to reach and maintain hyperglycemic status in rats for the duration of the experiment.…”

Administration of alloxan and streptozotocin in Sprague Dawley rats and the challenges in producing diabetes model

“…The beta-cell destruction was also recorded three days after induction [41,42]. Moreover, rats exhibited alterations in clinical signs and increased levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine [43]. In alloxan-induced diabetes, permanent hyperglycemia occurred between 24 and 48 h after alloxan administration [12].…”