Diabetes Mellitus bei Zwergziegen: Modellversuche mit Streptozocin*

Streptozocin-induced pancreatic islet destruction in beef cows

Streptozocin (STZ) induces diabetes mellitus in sheep and pigs. To test the effect of STZ in cattle, cows were given 75-150 mg STZ per kilogram of body weight. Cows receiving 150 mg/kg required euthanasia within 24 hours after infusion because of the severe systemic effects of STZ. Seven cows receiving doses of < or = 100 mg/kg had mild to marked decrease in islet immunoreactivity for insulin and in pancreatic islet density and mild to severe tubulointerstitial nephritis. Two cows receiving 75 and 85 mg/kg STZ regained their ability to produce insulin and return blood glucose to basal levels. One cow given 100 mg/kg STZ developed insulin insufficiency consistent with type I diabetes mellitus. These findings demonstrate the susceptibility of the bovine pancreas to STZ: however, severe systemic complications were encountered. Alternative dosages and methodologies should be considered in future attempts to induce diabetes in cattle using STZ.

Acute metabolic and hormonal effects of intravenously administered sodium n-butyrate in untreated and alloxan-diabetic sheep

Experimental diabetes was induced in 4 wethers of the Mutton Merino breed by intravenous injection of alloxan (75 mg.kg-1) in order to determine its impact on plasma glucose, immunoreactive insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyrate (D-3-HB), bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) as well as on the changes of these parameters brought about by an intravenous infusion of sodium n-butyrate (1 mmol.kg-1). Alloxan administration caused a significant elevation of plasma glucose, FFA, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, D-3-HB and bilirubin and a decrease of the level of immunoreactive insulin. The increase in glucose level brought about by a bolus injection of sodium n-butyrate in untreated sheep did not appear in alloxanized animals. Thus, it is suggested that the lack of hyperglycaemic response in diabetic sheep was due to the absence of liver glycogen stores. Unexpectedly in alloxan-diabetic sheep, a decrease in the plasma level of FFA occurred after the administration of sodium n-butyrate. Therefore, it may be assumed that beside insulin other factors may contribute to the decrease of FFA under these conditions.