db/+ Mice as an Alternate Model in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery Research

Background and Aims. The db/+ mice, which represent the heterozygous counterpart of diabetic db/db mice, are carriers of the mutated gene of the leptin receptor but do not become diabetic at any stage during their lifespan. These mice are being used only for the production of db/db mice. Attempts were made to develop these mice as an alternate in vivo model for antidiabetic drug screening. Methods. Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, and establishment of diabetic condition was confirmed by measuring blood glucose level, insulin level, body weight, lipid profile, and activity of the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. Results. Animals showed the characteristics of diabetes throughout the study period and also showed the beneficial effect of the treatment of the gold standard antidiabetic drug metformin that validates these mice as a screening model. Conclusions. Results showed that streptozotocin-treated db/+ mice can be used as an alternate model in antidiabetic drug discovery research. 2009 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc.