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The diabetic Zucker fatty rat.
Summary
A novel noninsulin-dependent diabetes emerged in Zucker rats, linked to a dominant gene interacting with obesity. This genetic diabetes model showed impaired insulin response and decreased pancreatic insulin content.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- A spontaneous noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) emerged in a Zucker rat colony.
- Obesity is a known risk factor for NIDDM, but the genetic basis is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic basis and metabolic phenotype of a newly identified diabetic trait in Zucker rats.
- To investigate the interaction between genetic predisposition and obesity in diabetes development.
Main Methods:
- Breeding program to establish inheritance pattern.
- Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) to assess insulin response.
- Measurement of plasma insulin, triglyceride, and body fat percentage.
- Quantification of pancreatic insulin content.
Main Results:
- Diabetes followed a dominant inheritance pattern, distinct from the fatty gene.
- Diabetic fatty rats exhibited impaired plasma insulin increase post-glucose load and reduced pancreatic insulin.
- Decreased body fat and plasma triglycerides suggested insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of genetically based diabetes in an outbred colony highlights the importance of genetic factors interacting with obesity.
- This Zucker rat model provides a valuable tool for studying NIDDM pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific gene and mechanisms involved.