Abstract
The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat represents a model of hereditary non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), characterized by nonobesity, mild hyperglycemia from early life, impaired glucose tolerance test results, and a markedly defective insulin response to glucose. The rats develop signs of both nephropathy and neuropathy, but, to our knowledge, retinal changes have not been reported so far in this model of NIDDM. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess whether morphological vascular changes could be demonstrated in retinal vessel preparations of GK rats. The endothelial/pericyte ratio was found to be higher in GK rats aged 8 months as well as after 24-30 months compared to their matched controls (2.3 +/- 0.2 versus 2.0 +/- 0.1; p < 0.01, and 2.6 +/- 0.2 versus 1.9 +/- 0.1; p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, in 24 to 30-months-old GK rats, the endothelial/pericyte ratio was higher than in 8 month old GK rats (p < 0.05). Thus, the GK rat appears to be a suitable model for experimental studies of chronic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, in NIDDM.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 158-162 |
| Journal | Journal of Diabetes and its Complications |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
Bibliographical note
The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.The record was previously connected to the following departments: Unit on Vascular Diabetic Complications (013241510)
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Endocrinology and Diabetes
