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Glucose tolerance during experimental tetanus toxicity in rabbits
O A Adegoke1, A Thomas, O A Sofola
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Lagos.
West African Journal of Medicine
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Tetanus infection in rabbits led to elevated blood sugar and impaired glucose tolerance. Pancreatic beta cell degranulation suggests reduced insulin production contributes to these metabolic changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection.
- Metabolic disturbances during infections are not fully understood.
- The impact of tetanus toxin on glucose metabolism requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of tetanus toxin on glucose metabolism in rabbits.
- To explore potential mechanisms involving insulin production.
Main Methods:
- Tetanus was induced in rabbits using purified tetanus toxin.
- Fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance tests were performed.
- Histological examination of pancreatic beta cells was conducted.
Main Results:
- Rabbits with tetanus exhibited significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels (137.5 mg%) compared to controls (114.8 mg%).
- Tetanus-affected rabbits showed a continuous rise in blood glucose post-glucose administration, indicating impaired glucose tolerance.
- Histological analysis revealed degranulation of pancreatic beta cells in rabbits with tetanus.
Conclusions:
- Tetanus toxin significantly elevates fasting blood glucose and impairs glucose tolerance in rabbits.
- Observed metabolic changes suggest reduced insulin production due to pancreatic beta cell degranulation during tetanus.
- These findings highlight a potential link between tetanus infection and diabetes-like metabolic alterations.