Peculiar glycemic patterns in alloxaninduced diabetes animal model

Abstract

Background: Laboratory investigations on diabetes mellitus (DM) have employed various animal models. Alloxan, a β-cell toxin, has widely been used to induce DM in animals. The current study reports peculiar glycemic patterns during alloxan DM induction. Method: Thirty eight, six-month old Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to two groups: control (n=14) and experimental (n=24). Alloxan (125 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the experimental group, and an equal volume of normal saline to the control. Using a glucometer, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were assessed on days 0, 3, 6, 13, 20 and 27. Results: At day 3, FBG levels were higher in the experimental group (19.26±1.77 vs. 3.21±0.04 mmol/l, p<0.01). Thereafter, FBG levels in the experimental group reduced gradually till day 27, though remaining higher than the control (7.59±0.86 vs. 3.22±0.13 mmol/l, p<0.01). The FBG levels in the control oscillated between 3.14±0.04 and 3.26±0.05 mmol/l. Out of the 24 rats administered with alloxan, only 10 were diabetic at day 27. Conclusion: Induction of diabetes in rats using alloxan (125mg/kg) leads to variability in glucose levels. A number of animals greater than required may be necessary to accommodate failed diabetes induction. Follow-up for at least one month is necessary before confirming induction.