The ultrastructural changes in the left ventricles of rabbits with alloxan (100 mg/kg i.v.)-induced diabetes were examined. Injection of alloxan resulted in a diabetic state characterized by increased hemoglobin glycosylation, blood and urine glucose and a significant depression of serum insulin levels. Electron microscopic examination of 10-week diabetic hearts revealed a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from mild to severe. Cardiac muscle cells in diabetic hearts showed some myofibrillar damage and varying degrees of contraction. The most prominent findings, however, were alterations in the mitochondria. Swollen and fragmented mitochondria containing amorphous dense bodies were evident upon electron microscopic examination. The cristae in the mitochondria appeared distorted and in some cases were completely lysed. A marked increase in lipid droplets and glycogen granules was also apparent. In addition, the sarcoplasmic reticulum was dilated and contained varying degrees of electron-dense material. These ultrastructural alterations suggest that the cardiomyopathy observed in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits could be due to alterations in the vasculature or may be secondary to a number of metabolic alterations previously reported in this model.

Keywords:
Ultrastructure, Alloxan, Diabetes, Myocardium, Rabbit
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1986 S. Karger AG, Basel
1986
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.