Influence of insulin on the microvascular response to inflammatory mediators in neonatal streptozotocin diabetic rats

• Published in: Inflammation research Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 173 - 179
• Main Authors: Rastelli, V Milan Ferreira, Akamine, E Hiromi, Oliveira, M Aparecida, Nigro, D, Passaglia, R de Cássia Tostes, Carvalho, M H Catelli, Fortes, Z B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Springer Nature B.V 01.04.2005
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Blood Pressure; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - chemically induced; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - physiopathology; Inflammation Mediators - pharmacology; Insulin - blood; Insulin - pharmacology; Male; Microcirculation - drug effects; Platelet Activating Factor - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin - pharmacology
• ISSN: 1023-3830; 1420-908X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00011-004-1339-0

To investigate the effect of insulin on microvascular responses to inflammatory mediators in a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We used the neonatal streptozotocin (n-STZ)-induced diabetes model. Diabetes was induced in male newborn (2-day-old) Wistar rats through STZ administration. Experiments were performed 10-12 weeks later. Rats were divided into control (sham-injected) and study (n-STZ) groups. Using a closed-circuit video camera coupled to a microscope, changes in mesenteric arteriolar and venular diameters induced by topical application of the inflammatory mediators histamine, bradykinin and platelet-activating factor were assessed in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. The n-STZ rats received NPH insulin s.c. for either 4 h or 12 days. Impaired arteriole and venule responses to the inflammatory mediators tested were observed in n-STZ rats. Both acute and chronic insulin treatment corrected the alterations. We conclude that insulin is beneficial, restoring microvascular reactivity to inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetes.