Integrative analysis on the effects of streptozotocin in the experimental model for diabetization in wistar rats: histological and laboratory study

The study of complications of diabetes mellitus is important to understand the alterations on the specific tissues affected by this chronic disease. An animal model that simulated this complication is necessary for further treatments and prevention of diabetes complications. The aim of this study was evaluated the biochemical and histological alterations on liver, kidney, small gut and retina tissues. The animal assay was made with 15 wistar rats divided in two groups: a control group, consisting of 5 rats that were healthy and non-diabetic (CONTROL), and a streptozotocin group (STZ), consisting of 10 rats who were diabetic. A dosage of streptozotocin at a concentration of 40 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally. Rats with glycemia levels below 150 mg/dl received a subsequent injection of 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin, whereas rats with glycemia levels ranging from 150 to 250 mg/dl were given a subsequent injection of 20 mg/kg of streptozotocin. The biochemical results showed difference in triglyceride, AST and ALT levels between the groups. The histological analysis of liver, kidney, small gut and retina showed significant alterations related to the chronic diabetes complications. These results suggested that this animal model can be used for future studies of metabolics mechanisms to undertand and avoid the complications of diabetes.