HEMOGLOBIN Alc IN THE STREPTOZOTOCIN (STZ) TREATED OR PANCREATECTOMIZED (Px) RHESUS MONKEY (RM)

Abstract

HbAlc, and glycosylated minor variant of HbA, is elevated in diabetic patients (D). HbAlc is used to monitor adequacy of D control. It has been suggested that elevated HbAlc in D may have adverse effects on tissue oxygenation and function. In our study, RM model with acquired glucose intolerance (STZ-Insulin (I) dependent, on I 2-7 U/day, or Px, 2-4 years; on I 2-7 U/day) was evaluated for the presence of HbAlc and for evidence of a possible influence on kidney (K) function and histology. B10 Rx 70 columns 1×15 were used for separation of Ala, Alb, Ale and A. Determination of GFR, RPF, and 24 hr, urinary protein (P) were done in 7 STZ, 8 Px and 29 control (C) animals. Kidney biopsy was evaluated by light microscopy (L). Fasting glucose in STZ varied from 200-400mg% and in Px 150-400mg%. GFR and RPF in both groups were not significantly different from C . There was significant P in STZ (118±50mg)^* and in Px (70±20mg)^* compared to C (13±14mg). HbAlc was also significantly elevated in STZ (13±1%) and Px (12±2%)^* compared to C (0.9±.1%). In 4/5 STZ and 3/5 Px changes by L consisted of basement membrane thickening and increase in mesangial matrix. Our finding of elevated HbAlc in D RM offers a model for studying this Hb in a non human D primate and suggests inadequate D control. Structural changes in K and proteinuria may be the consequence of elevated HbAlc in the already vulnerable diabetic RM. Further histochemical studies are required to verify this hypothesis. *P = <.05.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD