Abstract.
This study compares functional and morphological alterations caused by application of alloxan, streptozotocin, xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine (generation of reactive oxygen species), or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP, liberation of nitric oxide) to isolated rat pancreatic islets in vitro. In perifusion experiments, membrane leakage—detected by non-stimulated insulin release—was found after application of all drugs, but showed a substance-specific time pattern. Twenty-four hours after application of the classical diabetogens (alloxan or streptozotocin), potassium chloride- and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were markedly reduced, while a persistent reduction was observed neither after exposure to xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine, nor to SNAP. Morphological analysis of the islets revealed that nearly all β-cells were destroyed following alloxan or streptozotocin treatment, while the majority of β-cells were configured regularly after application of xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine or SNAP. Necrotic cells found after xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine usually differed in morphology from those observed after application of the classical diabetogens. While the former cells were characterised by swollen nuclei, the latter had shrunken nuclei with irregular condensed chromatin. Apoptosis was found only following nitric oxide exposure. Due to these differences, it seems unlikely that alloxan, streptozotocin, xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine, and nitric oxide have a common major feature in their toxic action.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 16 September 1999; received after revision 15 November 1999; accepted 26 November 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Peschke*, E., Ebelt, H., Brömme, HJ. et al. ‘Classical’ and ‘new’ diabetogens—comparison of their effects on isolated rat pancreatic islets in vitro . CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 57, 158–164 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050505
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050505