Attenuation of streptozotocin diabetes with superoxide dismutase-like copper(II)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 in the rat

Summary Experimental diabetes can be produced by agents with specific toxicity for pancreatic islet B cells. This effect has been reported to be modified both in vitro and in vivo by various radical scavengers including the enzyme Superoxide dismutase. Copper(II)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)₂ is lipophilic and possesses Superoxide dismutase bioactivity. Prior administration of this compound to male rats appeared to attenuate the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes as assessed by glycosuria and glucose tolerance. Diisopropylsalicylate, which has no Superoxide dismutase activity, did not alter the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats treated with the copper complex, with Streptozotocin or with a combination of the two agents gained 50% less weight than untreated controls, or rats treated with diisopropylsalicylate. The attenuation of diabetes by the copper-complex may represent partial protection of the B cells against Streptozotocin damage, although an extrapancreatic, toxic effect cannot be ruled out.