No effect of superoxide dismutase on spontaneous development of diabetes in db/db mice.

B-cells have previously been shown to be very susceptible to damage induced by superoxide radicals, and protection against such damage has been achieved both in vitro and in vivo with superoxide dismutase. During maturation, db/db mice develop diabetes and accumulation of potentially superoxide radical-producing leucocytes can be demonstrated in the islets during the process. To test for the possibility that superoxide radical-induced damage contributes to the development of diabetes, db/db mice were given daily ip injections of 200 mg/kg polyethylene glycol-substituted CuZn superoxide dismutase. No effect of the treatment could be demonstrated.