Gastric mucosal secretions and lesions by different doses of streptozotocin in rats

Abstract

The effects of various doses of streptozotocin (STZ) on gastric mucosal secretions and lesions were investigated in rats. STZ at a dose as low as 30 mg/kg significantly increased plasma glucose ( P < 0.05). The elevation of plasma glucose was dependent on the dose on STZ (30–65 mg/kg) administered. The levels of SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin and BUN also increased with the dose of STZ. The secretory rate of gastric H + decreased whereas the degree of mucosal hyperemia increased with increasing levels of plasma glucose. Treatment with insulin improved all abnormal conditions except the gastric mucosal lesions. The lesions occurred with low H +-secretory rate and low gastric emptying rate. It is suggested that STZ might act directly on the gastric mucosa. Its action depended on the dose administered and was not primarily related to the insulin deficit.