[Quantitative histochemical study of pancreatic islets of sand rats (Psammomys obesus) in diabetes mellitus I. Cytophotometric measurement of insulin content].

The insulin-content in islets of Langerhans on sand rats with disturbances of the carbon hydrate tolerance (reference-, impaired glucose tolerance-, and diabetic group) is measured cytophotometrically. In the IGT-group (impaired glucose tolerance) is a decrease of the insulin content in B-cells detectable. However in the diabetic group of sand rats is the insulin-content increased. This results demonstrate the stimulation of the B-cell function in the islets of Langerhans. The diabetes mellitus of sand rats is characterized by disturbed glucose tolerance hyperinsulinaemia, and elevated readiness to insulin secretion. That are characteristics of the human type-II-diabetes (insulin-independent). In conclusion, the sand rat is a biological model of the human type-II-diabetes (NIDDM).