The present study explored whether mononuclear cells derived from human umbilical cord blood could resolve hyperglycemia. In order to test this hypothesis, mononuclear cells derived from Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) were transplanted into alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by a conventional centrifuge method through a Ficoll- paque. Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by a single injection of alloxan at 50 mg/kg body weigh intraperitonealy. Rats were divided into three groups of ten each. Group I, served as control; Group II received alloxan alone; Group III received both alloxan and MNCs. The serum glucose and insulin level were measured before the animals received the MNCs and at 1, 4, 7, 12 and 15 weeks following the treatment. Glucose levels were monitored by the glucose oxidase technique. The insulin level was measured following Elisa assay by the insulin kit specific for rats made by Mercodia Co., Sweden. The results indicated that glucose levels in alloxan-injected rats rose at week 1 and remained elevated 301.00 ± 6.43 mg/dl for 15 weeks. In contrast, in week 15, after treated with MNCs, the blood glucose levels were 108.26 ± 6.84, mg/dl. Within a week after MNCs administration, blood glucose levels significantly reduced (245.74 ± 2.37 mg/dl and reached a baseline almost close to the normal glycemic values 15 week later (108.26 ± 6.84 mg/dl). Treated with MNCs in alloxan diabetic rats caused a significant rise in serum insulin accompanied by a drop in the blood glucose level.
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