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African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905 EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 11, No. 1, 2011, pp. 79 - 84
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Bioline Code: hs11012
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Health Sciences, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2011, pp. 79 - 84
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Effect of magnesium pre-treatment on alloxan induced hyperglycemia in rats
Abayomi, A.I.; Adewoye, E.O.; Olaleye, S.B. & Salami, A.T.
Abstract
Background: The role of vitamins and mineral supplementation in the prevention of diabetes mellitus is not well elucidated.
Objective: The effect of prior administration of magnesium on alloxan induced diabetes was assessed in rats.
Methods: 36 Male albino rats were used for this study. The animals were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each; group 1 was healthy control; groups 2 served as diabetic control. Animals in group 3 received magnesium (100 mg/kg) i.p one hour prior to alloxan (120 mg/kg) administration, group 4 were also received magnesium (150 mg/kg) i.p one hour prior to alloxan administration. Animals in group 5 received magnesium (100 mg/kg) i.p only; group 6 animals received magnesium (150 mg/kg) i.p only. Blood samples were obtained from all animals and plasma glucose levels were determined on Day 0 (prior to treatment), Day 2, Day 5, Day 7 and Day 10 after the commencement of treatment.
Results: There was significant increase (P<0.001) in plasma glucose values in the alloxan treated group when compared with the control values. There was also a significant increase (P<0.01) in plasma glucose levels in the magnesium-pretreated (100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) diabetic groups when compared with healthy controls whereas there was a significant reduction (P<0.01) in plasma glucose level when compared with the diabetic control.
Conclusion: This study has shown that magnesium pretreatment may delay the onset and subsequently cause a reduction in hyperglycemia in alloxan induced diabetes. This effect of magnesium may be attributed to its role as a scavenger of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals generated through alloxan reactions, its potentiation of glutathione antioxidant production and its role as a calcium blocker.
Keywords
Magnesium, Hyperglycemia, Alloxan
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© Copyright 2011 African Health Sciences.
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