Functional beta cell regeneration in the islets of pancreas in alloxan induced diabetic rats by (-)-epicatechin

Life Sci. 1982 Dec 13;31(24):2693-7. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(82)90713-5.

Abstract

(-)-Epicatechin (1), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound was found to have reversed the diabetogenic action of alloxan in albino rats (2). (-)-Epicatechin administration in doses of 30 mg/kg (i.p.) twice daily for 4-5 days in alloxan induced (150 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic albino rats (either sex), has brought down the high blood sugar levels to normal values. Concurrent histological studies of the pancreas of these animals showed regeneration of the beta-cell population of the islets which were earlier necrosed by alloxan. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) studies showed that the regenerated beta-cells of the islets of pancreas are functional in nature.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzopyrans / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Catechin / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / pathology
  • Female
  • Insulin / blood
  • Islets of Langerhans / drug effects*
  • Islets of Langerhans / pathology
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Rats
  • Regeneration / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzopyrans
  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Catechin