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STZ-induced diabetic
neuropathy model |
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Method
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats are fist assayed for their paw-withdrawl thresholds following standard mechanical stimulation (von Frey hairs). The animals then receive injections of streptozotocin to induce insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This condiction is confirmed by assay of blood glucose levels. Once the condition is confirmed, the animals' paw withdrawl thresholds are re-determined, and only animals with significant decreases in withdrawl threshold compared to their pre-diabetes level are included.
Induction of diabetes
Animals are injected with streptozotocin, dissolved in 0.9% sodium chloride, twice on successive days (75 mg/kg each day, i.p.). Blood glucose level is assayed at one week post-injection, from samples taken from the tail vein, using standard test strips and colorimeter. Only animals with a blood glucose level > 15 mM are considered diabetic.
Behavioral testing
Animals are first habituated to a 30 x 30 x 30- cm Plexiglas test chamber on top of a mesh screen for 15 min. The size fo the chamber allows for free movement of the animal and the mesh screen allows for application of the calibrated von-Frey monofilaments to the plantar surface of each hindpaw. The animals are then tested to determine mechanical paw withdrawal threshold using the up/down technique.
Representative study
Fuchs, P.N. (2003) Evaluation of three COMPANY compounds in a rat model of diabetes-induced neuropathic pain. (Confidential Report, NeuroDetective International; sanitized version avaiable upon request)
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