Abstract
In order to clarify a possible protective role of metallothionein (MT) in the development of streptozotocin (STZ)-caused insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and its mechanisms, we studied whether MT is effective for protection against STZ-caused IDDM by utilizing MT-null (isoforms MT-I and II) transgenic mice. It was found that Zn pretreatment (I mg/kg body weight as ZnSO4) has a unique inhibitory effect on IDDM development in MT-null mice in contrast to no marked effect in control (C57BL/6J) mice, suggesting that Zn ions free from MT molecules exerted this protective effect. The highest Zn dose (10 mg/kg body weight) fully suppressed development of hyperglycaemia in both types of mice. Pretreatment with Zn partially led to recovery of superoxide dismutase activities in the liver and pancreas in which STZ administration suppressed superoxide dismutase activity in both types of mice. The present study suggests that Zn plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IDDM, although a possible involvement of MT in the protection of STZ-caused IDDM cannot be completely negated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
