STREPTOZOTOCIN (STZ)-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS (DM) PROMOTES ALTERATION OF PERITONEAL MACROPHAGE MORPHOLOGYAND BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

The macrophages have multiple roles in glucose regulation. The abnormalities of macrophage functions may contribute
to the development of systemic inflammation and insulin resistance associated with obesity and diabetes. The aim and
objective of this study was to analyze the cytomorphology of rat peritoneal macrophages and their functionality during
streptozotocin (STZ) induced condition. In present study two MØ subsets; large peritoneal MØ (LPM) and small
peritoneal MØ (SPM) were identified. Increased cell aggregation and increased tendency of macrophage fusion were
noticed in rats treated by STZ.The present study clearly indicates that STZ treated diabetes adversely affects peritoneal
macrophages. Significant numbers of peritoneal macrophages were found to be pyknotic. Normal macrophages showed
different stages of phagocytosis. But the necrotic macrophages in diabetic group were not able to phagocytose the
charcoal particles. But it was interesting to notice that few diabetic peritoneal macrophages were completely laden by
charcoal particles.Mean phagocytic index was significantly reduced in diabetic group. In present study increased cell
aggregation and increased tendency of macrophage fusion may indicate inflammatory reaction which is the central sign of
diabetes mellitus. These observations, thus, reveal peritoneal macrophages heterogeneity associated with diabetes
mellitus (DM).