Restorative Effect of L-Arginine on Gross Morphology and Adrenal Weight in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Objective: To observe the restorative effect of L-arginine on body weight and weight of adrenal glands in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methodology: This experimental study was undertaken at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. Fifty healthy albino rats were equally divided into five groups. Group-A was taken as control. Group-B was treated with STZ. Group-C was given STZ with insulin. Group-D received STZ with L-arginine and Group-E was administered STZ along with both L-arginine and insulin. After the confirmation of diabetes by STZ, treatment was continued for a period of 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 6 weeks. At the start and end of the study period mean body weight of animals was calculated. Effect of L-arginine was observed on body weight of animals and weight of adrenal glands and compared with insulin. Results: The decrease in mean body weight of animals due to STZ was less significant when L-arginine and insulin were added to the therapy. Whereas the increase in adrenal glands weight was also less marked on administering L-arginine and insulin. Conclusion: L-arginine has restorative effect on gross morphology and weight of adrenal glands which is comparable to insulin.