Progression of pancreatitis prior to diabetes onset in WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats

J Vet Med Sci. 2012 Jan;74(1):65-70. doi: 10.1292/jvms.11-0168. Epub 2011 Aug 12.

Abstract

We established the WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rat as a new congenic strain for the fa allele of the leptin receptor gene (Lepr). Homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats provide a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although its onset is secondary to pancreatitis. In the present study, we compared histopathological observations of pancreatitis in each genotype of this rat, to examine its suitability as a model of pancreatitis. The histopathological findings of the pancreatitis revealed intense changes dependent on age, such as hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. The pancreatitis in homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats were more severe than those of WBN/Kob rats.

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Male
  • Obesity
  • Pancreatitis / pathology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains

Substances

  • Blood Glucose