Metabolism and ultrastructure in ovaries of alloxan-diabetic juvenile rats

Tests were carried out on the influence of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus on the metabolism and the ultrastructure of ovaries of juvenile rats. The diabetes mellitus caused the following changes in the metabolism: reduction in the concentration of ATP and NADPH, increase in the lactate/pyruvate quotient to above 40, reduction in the ATP/ADP quotient to below 1, reduction in the level of activity of the hydrogen-conveying enzymes G-6-P-dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, increase in the level of activity of the alkaline phosphatase, reduction of the protein content. Ultrastructure: almost complete disappearance of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, shrinkage of the mitochondria, reduction of the cristae and condensation of the matrix. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum remains unchanged, the extent of the Golgi-complex is reduced. Easy removal of the lipid deposits.