Effects of chronic alcohol ingestion on function and structure of pancreatic islets of rats

  Objective   To investigate the changes of the function and structure of pancreaticislets of rats after chronic alcohol administration.

  Methods   Rats were given alcohol solution6ml/(kg°bw·d)in different concentration(10%, 30% and 50%)through intragastric-feeding for 13 weeks.At the end of the experiment, serum glucose and serum insulin were measured.10 rats(five male, five female)were chosed randomly from each group to make analysis of pathology structure and immuno histo chemical image of pancreatic islets.

  Results   Compared with the control group, serum glucose in 50% alcohol feeding, was increased and serum insulin was decreased(P < 0.05).The radio of insulin immune active product area to pancreas area(Ins⁺/panc)as well as that to islets area(Ins⁺/Isl)were significantly decreased in 50% alcohol feeding.Histological examination revealed that in group of 50% alcohol feeding, the cells of pancreatic islets appeared hydropic degeneration and vacuolar degenration.

  Conclusion   Chronic alcoholism can induce some optical and structural abnormalities of pancreaticislets and may contribute to the endocrine pancreas functional disturbance.Chronic alcoholism may be related to diabetes.