Mineralization of different bones in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: study on the concentration of eight minerals

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was studied in male and female rats weighing 188 and 145 g, respectively, at the start of the experiment. After 79 days in the diabetic condition the weights and lengths of different bones were less in the diabetic rats than in two nondiabetic control groups, i.e., ad libitum fed and a group restricted in food intake to achieve the same body weight as the diabetic rats. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and sodium were similar in the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, whereas the concentrations of iron and zinc were higher in the diabetic rats. Results for the concentration of potassium, magnesium, and chromium showed a less uniform pattern between groups and between males and females. It is concluded that the length and weight of bones in diabetic rats are less than nondiabetic rats of the same body weight. This results in a lower total amount of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chromium. This observation was similar in all three bones studied. Therefore, prolonged streptozotocin-induced diabetes does interfere with the normal pattern of bone mineralization.