The effect of long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (STZ-DM) on cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the effect of long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (STZ-DM) on adolescent cynomolgus monkeys. METHODS: A total of 12 monkeys (six STZ-DM and six controls) were monitored for fasting glucose levels and locomotor activities, tested for hematological and serum parameters, measured for body weight and somatometric values. RESULTS: Fasting glucose was maintained at high levels in STZ-DM monkeys. At the age when normal adolescent monkeys dramatically increased their weight, STZ-DM led to the retardation of weight increase in diabetic monkeys. Moreover, STZ-DM monkeys showed abnormal lipid levels and somatometric measurements. In locomotor activity test, STZ-DM monkeys were more active than control ones. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term STZ-DM disrupts the normal growth of young monkeys and interferes with some aspects of hormone, lipid metabolism and physical activities. Mean plasma glucose (MPG) appeared to be an important factor in physical activity abnormalities of STZ-DM monkeys.