Abstract

ALPHA CELLS A ‘THERAPEUTIC TARGET’: EFFECT OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS ON ALPHA CELL COUNT IN HEALTHY AND ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC MALE ALBINO RATS

Alia Amin* and Mohammad Tahir

Abstract

Introduction The molecular mechanism of diabetes involves both the beta and alpha cell dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanisms explaining the role of alpha cells in diabetes remains enigma. Objective: The objective of this research was to study the response of alpha cells to ―Citrullus colocynthis‖ in euglycaemia and experimental hyperglycemia. Methods: Forty eight Albino rats were randomly divided into six groups A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, each comprising of 8 rats. Diabetes was induced in A2, B2 and C2 with single iv injection of 50 mg/kg Alloxan. Rats having fasting blood glucose greater than 250 mg/dl were labeled as diabetic. Aqueous seed extract of Citrullus colocynthis was given to diabetic rats in groups B2 and C2 and their controls in groups B1 and C1 for 14 days. Results: Alpha cell count was significantly increased (3.706± 0.656; p

Keywords: Alloxan, diabetes, alpha cells, Citrullus colocynthis.