Clinico-Pathological Profile In Streptozotocin Treated Non-Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed at investigating clinic-pathological profiling in the low doses streptozotocin intoxicated normoglycemic rabbits.
Method: New Zealand bred white rabbits weighing about 1-1.5 kg were given STZ @65mg/kg b.w, as a single intravenous dose followed by glucose therapy after 9 hours. Haemato-biochemical investigations were carried out fortnightly from days 0 to 60 except for glucose which was recorded on weekly basis.
Results: Streptozotocin intoxicatedrabbits revealed polyuria, polydypsia, dullness, lethargy, and appeared more apprehensive, which were more prominent during first week. Short durations of increased activity, and feeding were followed by complete inactivity. From 2nd week onwards individual variation in feed intake was observed ranging from normal to reduced feed intake with preference for green fodder. Rabbits showed decreased body weight gain and body temperature. Haematology revealed significantly decreased Hb, MCH and MCHC, where as PCV, TEC and MCV were not altered significantly; indicating normocytic hypochromic anemia. TLC was significantly decreased without any alteration in DLC, indicating suppressed myelopoiesis. Serum biochemistry revealed that the plasma protein levels were not altered while AST and ALT showed a non-significant but progressive increase, indicating low grade but persistent liver damage. Kidney function test revealed significant alteration in plasma chloride levels while BUN and creatinine showed a progressively non-significant increase. Total plasma cholesterol increased significantly whereas plasma triglyceride showed non-significant increase.
Conclusion: STZ cause prolonged haemato-biochemical alterations characteristic of multiple organ pathology without persistent glycemic change.Such toxic impacts should be considered in development of STZ induced diabetic model using higher drug doses.