[Effect of iron overload on function of pancreatic beta cells in rats]

This investigation was made to assess the effect of iron overload on function of pancreatic islet cells in Wistar rats. Sixty-five male rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group A received repeated intraperitoneal (i. p.) injections of ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA); Group B received the equivalent dose of Na2 NTA; Group C received i. p. injection of Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in addition to FeNTA; and Group D rats were untreated controls. Glucose tolerance tests were performed at the beginning, 5th week, and 10th week. Serum iron(SI) and serum ferritin (SF) were measured. The pancreatic tissues were taken for immunohistochemical exam; the levels of Insulin, Glucagon, ss in islets were also evaluated. At the 10th week, the levels of plasma glucose at 2 hours after glucose load in groups A and C were higher than those in groups B and D (P = 0.043); the granules of insulin in beta cells of group A were decreased obviously, the area of islets of group A was smaller than those of other groups (P = 0. 000). Iron overload might influence glycometabolism. And the beta cells' capability to secrete insulin was decreased obviously. Therefore, by way of removing iron, it is possible to protect the rat's glycometabolism to some extent.