Effect of Propolis Administration on the Endocrine Functions and Histopathology of Pancreas in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the hypoglycemic properties of Propolis and their possible role on pancreatic's tissue. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 45 adult male albino rats and the animals were divided into three groups; Negative control group received standard diet; Positive group diabetic untreated group; Propolis treated group supplemented with (0.3 g/Kg/day) for 2 weeks after the induction of diabetes by streptozotocin. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta. A heparinized tube was used for collection of plasma for measurement of lipid peroxidation products, insulin, glucagon and fasting blood glucose. Pancreas were isolated and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), histoimmunological and morphometric factors were studied. The results of this study showed that Propolis was able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the diabetic untreated group. Hypercellularity and density of B cells increased in pancreatic tissue, islets size and percent of B cells increased significantly in Propolis treated group which may signify regeneration of islets or B cells in Propolis treated rats. In the current study, we have demonstrated that, both structural and functional improvements of pancreas. Further researches are highly needed to clarify the specific molecular and cellular targets of various constituents of Propolis.