Changes in sodium concentration in cardiac myocytes from diabetic rats

The effects of streptozotocin induced diabetes on rats were studied. The animals showed an increase in blood glucose concentration and a loss of weight from both the body and the heart. Loss of weight from the heart was less severe leading to an increased heart to body weight ratio. Study of element concentrations by X-ray microanalysis showed that there was an increase in intracellular Na concentration in cardiac myocytes from the diabetic animals, but no change in Mg. These results agree with studies which show changes in Na/K ATPase after the onset of diabetes.