Sorbitol accumulation in rats kept on diabetic condition for short and prolonged periods
Abstract
AIM: To study the influence of the course of diabetes, aging, and glycemia on the
sorbitol accumulation in diabetic rats.
METHODS: Streptozocin (Str) diabetic rats were obtained by Str i.v. (35 mg.kg-1).
Glycemia and sorbitol levels from sciatic nerve and lens were measured after 1 d,
2, 5, and 8 months of diabetes. Sorbitol concentrations in serum, heart,
diaphragm, small intestine, and kidney after 8 months of diabetes were measured.
RESULTS: Diabetic rats after Str injection showed hyperglycemia (> 1.7 g.L-1),
hyperphagia, polyuria, polydipsia, and loss of body weight. Sorbitol levels in
lens and sciatic nerve increased in normal and diabetic rats; the increase was
higher in diabetic rats. No relationship was shown between glycemia and sorbitol
levels. An increased sorbitol level after 8 months of diabetes was found in small
intestine and kidney.
CONCLUSION: The sorbitol levels increased in lens and sciatic nerve with aging
and this process was accelerated by diabetes.
Keywords:
sorbitol accumulation in diabetic rats.
METHODS: Streptozocin (Str) diabetic rats were obtained by Str i.v. (35 mg.kg-1).
Glycemia and sorbitol levels from sciatic nerve and lens were measured after 1 d,
2, 5, and 8 months of diabetes. Sorbitol concentrations in serum, heart,
diaphragm, small intestine, and kidney after 8 months of diabetes were measured.
RESULTS: Diabetic rats after Str injection showed hyperglycemia (> 1.7 g.L-1),
hyperphagia, polyuria, polydipsia, and loss of body weight. Sorbitol levels in
lens and sciatic nerve increased in normal and diabetic rats; the increase was
higher in diabetic rats. No relationship was shown between glycemia and sorbitol
levels. An increased sorbitol level after 8 months of diabetes was found in small
intestine and kidney.
CONCLUSION: The sorbitol levels increased in lens and sciatic nerve with aging
and this process was accelerated by diabetes.