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Superoxide dismutase activity in the BB rat: a dynamic time-course study.
F A Pisanti1, S Frascatore, G Papaccio
1Scuola Spec. Biologia Clinica, I Fac. Medicina e Chirurgia, Universita di Napoli, Italy.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
In BB rats, lower islet superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, not changes with age or diabetes onset, may predispose them to developing diabetes. This finding offers insights into diabetes pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Spontaneous diabetes in BB rats mirrors streptozocin-induced diabetes, both showing insulitis.
- Streptozocin's mechanism involves peroxidative damage sensitive to superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between SOD activity in pancreatic islets and the onset of diabetes in BB rats.
- To determine if SOD activity changes with age or diabetes progression in BB rats.
Main Methods:
- Time-course study design.
- Measurement of SOD activity in pancreatic islets of BB rats and control Wistar rats.
- Histological examination for insulitis.
Main Results:
- SOD activity in islets did not significantly change with age or the onset of diabetes.
- Islets of BB rats exhibited significantly lower SOD activity compared to control Wistar rats.
- A correlation between lower SOD activity and proneness to diabetes development was suggested.
Conclusions:
- Reduced SOD activity in pancreatic islets may be a predisposing factor for spontaneous diabetes in BB rats.
- This finding contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes and potential therapeutic targets.