Objective To evaluate the effect of low-dose insulin [1 U/(kg·d)] in combination with selenium [180 g/(kg·d)] on general physiological parameters and glucose transporter (GLUT4) level in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetic rats were treated with insulin,selenium,and insulin and selenium in combination for four weeks. The level of blood glucose was determined using One Touch SureStep Blood Glucose meter and the level of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Our data showed that insulin in combination with selenium could significantly lower blood glucose level and restore the disturbance in GLUT4 level in skeletal muscle. Treatment with insulin was only partially effective in restoring diabetic alterations. Conclusion It can be concluded that there is a synergistic action between insulin and selenium,and that treatment of diabetic rats with combined doses of insulin and selenium is effective in the normalization of blood glucose level and correction of altered GLUT4 distribution in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.
Tian-jiao Xu,Bing-xiang Yuan,Ya-min Zou Department of Pharmacology,Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University,Xi’an 710061,China.
