Investigation of Immunohistochemical Localization of Oxytocin Receptor in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Mouse Heart

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical localization of oxytocin receptor in diabetic and non-diabetic mouse heart tissue. Eighteen male Balb-c mice were used in the study. Animals were divided into three groups; control, sham and diabetes. The diabetes group was given STZ by i.p injections and diabetes was induced. Sham group was again treated with sodium citrate solution by ip. The animals in the control group did not receive any treatment. After 30 days of STZ application, mice were cervical dislocated under ether anesthesia and their heart tissues were removed. Each heart tissue was vertically divided into two parts and routine histological procedures were applied and then tissues were blocked in paraffin and sections were taken. For histological examination, Crossman triple staining, H&E and PAS were applied to the sections. Immunoreactivity of OTR was determined by Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex (ABC) method. At the end of the study period; live weight of the groups, blood glucose level, tissue weights and immunohistochemical localization of OTR in heart tissue samples and histological structure of tissue were compared. When the first and last day body weight were compared in the DM group, it was determined a decrease in the last day and in control group, it was determined an increase in the last day. When weights of heart tissue were compared between the groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. As a result of histological examinations, it was found that there was a significant difference histologically in the diabetes group from the other groups. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that oxytocin receptor showed similar immunoreactivity in sham and control groups. In the diabetic group, the immunoreactivity of oxytocin receptor was similar in endothelial and capillary areas, but less in cell membrane, cytoplasm and purkinje cells. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between the oxytocin receptor, diabetes and heart tissue. As a result, we think that diabetes may have an effect on the cardiovascular system through the oxytocin receptor.