Mechanisms of Toxic Effect of Streptozotocin on β-Cells in the Islets of Langerhans

Administration of streptozotocin caused selective damage to endocrine beta-cells in rat pancreatic islets, which was related to activation of apoptosis. The cytotoxic effect of streptozotocin was associated not only with DMA damage due to dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system, but also with activation of the caspase cascade and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.