Protective effect of rhIL-1β on pancreatic islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

AIM:To observe the protective effect of rhIL-1β on pancreatic islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS:Protection of rhIL-1β 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-1β 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-1β 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-1β pretreatment may have protective effect on the islets of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.