Work

Streptozotocin-induced morphological changes in rat lungs

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Streptozotocin (STZ) is a commonly used compound for the induction of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in animal models, but its effects on non-pancreatic tissues like the lungs are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the histopathological impact of STZ on the lungs using male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into two groups: a control group on a normal diet and an STZ-treated group receiving a high-fat diet and 10% sucrose water for 8 weeks, followed by an STZ injection (30 mg/kg body weight). All rats were terminated 9 days after STZ administration, and lung samples were collected for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Light microscopy revealed thickening of alveolar septa, narrowing of alveoli, and inflammatory infiltrates in the STZ group. TEM showed mitochondrial damage in type 2 pneumocytes, including membrane fragmentation, cristae loss, and formation of mitochondrial-derived vesicles. Confocal microscopy revealed significantly higher expression of myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, and citrullinated histone 3 in the STZ group compared to controls. These findings suggest that STZ induces considerable lung damage, emphasizing the need to consider lung toxicity in studies involving STZ.

Source: Ultrastructural Pathology

DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2024.2426567

Authors: Felicia M. Masetla, Mia-Jeanne Van Rooy, June C. Serem, Hester M. Oberholzer

Institution: University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Immunotoxicology and immune responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Research Foundation