Aim: To observe the protective effect of rhIL-1beta on pancreatic islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Protection of rhIL-1beta on pancreatic islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats (n = 5) was demonstrated with methods of immunohistochemistry and stereology. The concentration of serum glucose was measured by GOD method and that of serum insulin by RIA.
Results: The concentration of serum glucose increased but that of insulin decreased after administration of alloxan(150 mg/kg), and the volume density and numerical density of the islets were zero. In rhIL-1beta pretreated rats, although the concentration of serum insulin decreased (from 11.9+/-3.0 mIU/L to 6.1+/-1.6 mIU/L, P<0.05), that of glucose was at normal level compared with the control group. As compared with alloxan group, the concentration of serum glucose in rhIL-1beta pretreated rats decreased (from 19.4+/-8.9 mmol/L to 12.0+/-4.0 mmol/L, P<0.05) and the volume density increased(0/L to. 1/L, P<0.05).
Conclusion: rhIL-1beta pretreatment may have protective effect on the islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.