Diabetogenic activity of chelators in some mammalian species.

The investigation of diabetogenic activity of chelators (dithizone and quinoline derivatives, was carried out in 6 mammalian species (dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, golden hamsters and mice). Rabbits are the most suitable animals for the production of diabetes with persistent hyperglycemia (permanent diabetes). The optimal conditions of such modelling are created by chelator injection of small doses to fasting rabbits. Diabetes resulting in recovery is well modelled in hamsters and mice. Chelators induce in Langerhans' islets of dogs, cats and rats alterations insufficient for diabetes development. These changes are easily revealed with zinc cytochemical reaction.