SODIUM TUNGSTATE

EFFECT ON LIVER OF STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RABBIT

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the possible morphological effects of sodium tungstate
(ST) on liver of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rabbits. Study design: This prospective
study was conducted on 30 rabbits of 30 weeks age. Diabetes was induced in 20 animals
by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). 10 animals were used as
control. 10 diabetic rabbits were treated with sodium tungstate (ST) orally and 10 animals were
left untreated. Histological examination of liver was performed. Setting: Place: Post graduate
medical institute lahore. Duration of study: July 2010 to August 2011. Methods: Blood glucose
levels of the rabbits were checked before and after treatment. Histological examination of liver
sections of 30 rabbits was performed. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E),
Trichrome and Reticulin stains separately. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: Blood
glucose levels of diabetic rabbits without Sodium Tungstate therapy were high as compared to
normal rabbits and diabetic rabbits treated with sodium tungstate. Histological examination of
liver of diabetic rabbits with Sodium Tungstate therapy did not reveal any irregular chromatin
pattern or fibrosis. Conclusion: On the basis of histological examination and blood glucose
level it is concluded that sodium tungstate is a powerful anti-diabetic agent when administered
orally with no morphological changes in liver.