Comparative Assessment of Histopathological and Biochemical Indices of Renal Function in Alloxan-induced Male and Female Diabetic Rats

It has been observed that alloxan-induced diabetes causes free radical production, which ultimately damages the pancreatic β-cells and impact several organs especially the kidney. This study was a comparative assessment of histopathological and biochemical indices of renal function in alloxan-induced male and female diabetic rats. A total of twenty-four (24) male and female albino wistar rats were divided into five groups (6 rats per group): normal control female (group A), normal control male (group B), diabetic female (group C) and diabetic male (group D).  Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 120 mg/kg bwt. The rats were observed for 48 hours and were allowed access to water and feed as much as they wanted and were then sacrificed 48 hours post alloxan-induction. Serum urea, creatinine and electrolyte profile (sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate) were determined using standard laboratory methods while the histology of the kidney determined by H and E technique. The histopathological section of the group C rats showed thickened glomeruli which are closely adherent to the bowman’s capsular space. There was interstitial fibrosis, hyaline changes, epithelial cellular vacuolar degeneration and arteriopathy. The group D rats showed milder histological alterations of glomeruli and arterioles. There was significantly increased mean serum Urea, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate levels in the female diabetic rats than in female control (p=0.000; 0.020; 0.009; 0.027) respectively while potassium was significantly increased in male diabetic rats than in male control (p=0.018). Also, the mean serum urea and creatinine level was significantly increased in female diabetic rats compared to male diabetic rats (p=0.017; 0.010) respectively. This study has revealed the variable alterations in kidney histology and functions due to alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. The kidney functions of male and female wistar rats with alloxan-induced diabetes was found to exhibit varying degrees of significant histopathological  and biochemical changes.