Effect of diabetes on islet area and beta-cell function

beta-cell function was studied in the isolated perfused mouse pancreas. Morphometrical analysis of the islets of Langerhans was done after in situ staining with dithizone. Islet area correlated well with the fasted body weight. Fasting hyperglycemia was induced 15 days after the start of a daily injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) for 5 days. At day 15 the total islet area was reduced to 1% and total insulin release to 4% of the controls. The presence of fasting hyperglycemia in mice after low-dose streptozotocin treatment is associated with a major loss in beta-cell function and islet mass.