Effects of some drugs on islet function in catfish

Area of Science:

• Comparative physiology
• Endocrinology
• Aquatic toxicology

Background:

• Pancreatic islets are crucial for glucose regulation in vertebrates.
• Understanding drug-induced effects on fish islet cells is vital for aquaculture and ecotoxicology.
• Catfish serve as a valuable model for studying metabolic responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of glucose loading, alloxan, streptozotocin, and glybenclamide on blood glucose levels in catfish.
• To examine the associated bioptical cytopathological changes in pancreatic islet beta-cells.
• To assess the recovery of normoglycemic values and islet cell morphology post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• Administration of glucose, alloxan, streptozotocin, and glybenclamide to catfish.
• Monitoring of blood glucose levels over time.
• Histopathological examination of pancreatic islet tissues.
• Analysis of beta-cell changes, including regenerative activity and zinc content.

Main Results:

• Glucose loading induced dose-related hyperglycemia.
• Alloxan and streptozotocin caused transient hyperglycemic states with varying patterns.
• Glybenclamide induced hypoglycemia in normal fish but not in depancreatized fish.
• Pancreatic beta-cells showed histopathological changes and signs of regeneration; streptozotocin treatment led to zinc depletion.

Conclusions:

• Catfish exhibit distinct glycemic responses to various drug challenges.
• Pancreatic islet beta-cells demonstrate resilience and regenerative capacity following drug-induced stress.
• Drug-induced alterations in islet cell morphology and zinc content warrant further investigation.