OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Polygona-polysaccharose (PSP) on blood glucose level and the mechanism of protection on diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ).

METHODS

The animal model of diabetes was established by injecting STZ (60 mg x kg(-1)) into its abdominal cavity. The amount of water drinking, food intake, urinary volume and body weight were measured at the fourth week of the treatment. The blood samples were drawn to determine the indexes of blood glucose (FBG) and Glycosylated serum protein (GSP) and blood serum insulin (INS). Pancreatic pathology was studied with morphological method and immunohistochemical method. The distribution of apoptotic cells and the expression of Caspase-3 were observed by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The levels of FBG, GSP and the amount of water drinking, food intake, urinary volume in the PSP treated groups were obviously lower than those in the model group while INS increased. PSP decreased the rate of apoptotic cells and the level of Caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

PSP can effectivly decrease blood glucose and increase INS. The mechanism may be related with inhibiting islet cell apoptosis and lowering Caspase-3.