Effect of streptozotocin on the blood glucose level and histology of the principal islets of Channa punctatus (Bloch)
Gill, T.S.; Khanna, S.S.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 89(2): 319-326
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 131431 Document Number: 86842
The effect of streptozotocin, an antibiotic and diabetogenic drug, was studied on the blood glucose level and islet histology of a freshwater fish, C. punctatus. The drug elicits a triphasic response in the blood glucose level, comprising an initial hyperglycemia followed by a transient fall, and restitution of normal values 3-4 days after the treatment. Significant degenerative changes occur in the islet .beta. cells. Severity of the .beta. cell damage is dose dependent and the drug was .beta.-cytotoxic to a considerable extent. Unlike mammals, C. punctatus does not become diabetic following the streptozotocin administration, at doses from 200-400 mg/kg body weight and over a period of 96 h post-injection.