Models animals per a l'estudi de la diabetis

Authors

  • Núria Roglans
  • Marta Alegret
  • Juan Carlos Laguna

Abstract

Animal experimental models for the study of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) originates from a lack of insulin effects, due to a deficit of pancreatic production, or to an inadequate response of target organs, or a combination of both situations, ensuing hyperglycaemia, polyuria and polydipsia. When insulin is totally absent (Type 1 DM), there is an increased metabolism of muscular protein and fat, ending in metabolic ketoacidosis and death. With a residual insulin activity (Type 2 DM), diabetes becomes chronic, with obesity, micro- and macroangiopathies and their corresponding clinical manifestations (renal failure, retinal alterations, neuropathies, myocardial infarct, etc.). DM is a serious health problem and, as it is a complex illness, in which participate genetic and acquired factors, there is not a single perfect animal model for its study, able to reproduce all the characteristics of the human malady. The great majority of models use rodents, given their advantages: small size, easy access, fast reproduction rate, and a feasible genetic manipulation. We will discuss about induced models, in which the illness is reproduced by means of a specific manipulation, spontaneous models, comprised by animal breeds genetically selected along successive generations in order to them to develop the malady, and genetically engineered models.

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Published

2012-01-19