Time-dependent changes in aortic albumin permeability characteristics in experimental diabetes

The aortic albumin flux, mass transport rates, and aortic albumin-plasma ratios were examined at 20, 30, and 60 min following injection of bovine serum albumin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITCBSA) in rats made diabetic via streptozotocin injection (65 mg/kg, jugular vein, ether anesthesia). These studies were undertaken in order to establish some basic semiquantitative permeability parameters of large arteries in experimental diabetes. Data indicate that under diabetic conditions, both the aortic flux and the mass transfer rates are significantly elevated, changes which correspond to increased tissue accumulation of FITCBSA. In addition, the time needed to saturate the albumin space in aortas of diabetic animals is significantly lower than normal.