Previous adaptation to a high-protein diet protects against streptozotocin-induced inhibition of insulin release from isolated rat islets.

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced inhibition of insulin release by isolated islets was measured in islets of rats previously adapted to either a high-protein (HP) or a balanced control diet. Islets from rats adapted to an HP diet showed decreased susceptibility to the inhibitory effect of STZ on insulin release. The data suggest that the beta cells from rats adapted to a high-protein diet have an increased resistance to the deleterious effects of STZ. These results are consistent with in vivo data (D.L. Eizirik and R.H. Migliorini, Diabetes, 33: 383-388, 1984).