L. J. Fischer, S. Hamburger
Apr 28, 1980
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Quality indicators
Journal
Life sciences
Abstract
Abstract The hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethylurea was tested in vitro for possible effectiveness in protecting insulin secreting cells from the deleterious effects of alloxan and dihydroxyfumarate. A five min exposure of isolated rat pancreatic islets to alloxan (0.15 and 0.20 mg/ml) caused a concentration dependent decrease in subsequent glucose-stimulated insulin release. The presence of 40 mM dimethylurea during alloxan exposure attenuated or eliminated the inhibition of insulin release caused by alloxan. Exposure of islets to autooxidizing dihydroxyfumarate, a known generator of hydroxyl free radicals, also caused an inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release. This effect was also eliminated when dimethylurea was present during the exposure period. These results support the concept that alloxan produces its insulin inhibitory effects in vitro via the generation of hydroxyl free radicals.