Modifications in the TXA(2) and PGI(2) plasma levels and some other biochemical parameters during the initiation and development of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) syndrome in the rabbit

Having developed a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) syndrome model in the rabbit using Wirsung duct ligation, it appeared interesting t o use it to study the relationship between glycemia and the plasma levels o f TXA(2) and PGl(2), and of some other biochemical parameters such as chole sterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase and transaminases. A comparativ e study was carried out in the sham-operated rabbits (controls, C) and thos e having their pancreatic duct ligatured (NIDDM, D) at 15, 30, 40, 50 and 6 0 days post-ligation. On the 40th days, whereas in the controls, glycemia was 1.17 +/- 0.04 g.l(- 1), it reached a maximum of 4.62 +/- 0.76 g.l(-1) (25.40 mM) in the NIDDMs. No significant modification was observed either in cholesterolemia or in tr iglyceridemia in either group. The GOT and GPT were highly increased, from 11.50 +/- 4.00 IU.I-1 and 27.00 +/- 1.50 IU.I-1 (C) to 37.50 +/- 5.64 IU.I- 1 (P<0.001) and 58.50 +/- 7.50 IU.I-1 (D) (P<0.001) in the NIDDM group, sug gesting that hyperglycemia occurred simultaneously with the degeneration of the pancreatic tissue. In parallel, in D rabbits, the plasma levels of TXB2 and 6 keto PGF(1 alpha ) were augmented to 68.22 +/- 6.20 pg.ml(-1) versus 22.49 +/- 5.74 pg.ml(-1 ) (C) (P<0.001), and 127.11 +/- 14.39 pg.ml(-1) versus 48.65 +/- 4.51 pg.ml (-1) (C) (P<0.001) respectively. Statistical studies showed a significant c orrelation (P<0.05 and <0.02) between glycemia and the biosynthesis of eico sanoids under study. Moreover, 25 mM was found to be the threshold level of glucose excess essential to increase the TXA(2) and PGI(2) biosynthesis si gnificantly. This supports the results obtained by other authors studying t he action of glucose on phospholipase activity and consequent eicosanoid pr oduction. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.