Synergistic effects of C-peptide and insulin on coronary flow in early diabetic rats

The aims of the present study are (1) to examine whether coronary flow is increased and (2) to examine the role of C-peptide in relation to nitric oxide (NO) production and coronary flow in a rat heart (Wistar) during the early stages of type 1 diabetes. Coronary flow increased by 36.4% +/-10.6% (P <.05) during the early stages of streptozotocin-induced diabetes of isolated perfused rat hearts, but NO production increased without significance. C-peptide alone did not change coronary flow, but increased NO production in diabetes. In the presence of insulin, C-peptide reversed both flow and NO production to the control level of normal rats (P <.05). In conclusion, during the early stages of type 1 diabetes, coronary flow was increased, and C-peptide in the presence of insulin synergistically normalized the excessive flow and NO production induced by C-peptide to the control level of normal rats.