1, 10 Phenanthroline, a metal chelator, protects against alloxan- but not streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Abstract

The iron chelator, 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen), which inhibits hydroxyl radical formation, was tested in vitro and in vivo against alloxan and streptozotocin (STZ) cytotoxicity. Phen injection reduced the severity of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and attenuated alloxan-induced toxicity in human fibroblastas (VA 13 line) in culture. These protective effects were not observed against STZ toxic action. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that hydroxyl radicals, generated via an iron-catalyzed reaction, induce the alloxan but not the STZ diabetogenic effects.