The prevention of alloxan-induced diabetes in mice by the iron-chelator detapac: suggestion of a role for iron in the cytotoxic process.

DETAPAC, an iron-chelating agent, given to male Swiss-Webster mice prior to alloxan, was able to protect the mice from the diabetogenic actions of alloxan. In contrast EDTA, another chelating agent, offered no protection. Possible mechanisms for these effects, including inhibition of hydroxyl radical formation, will be discussed.