Effect of aluminum chloride on blood glucose level and lipid profile in normal, diabetic and treated diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess evaluate the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) on blood glucose and lipid levels in normal, diabetic, and glibenclamide-treated diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of six each. Group I was normal control, Groups II and III were given AlCl(3)50 and 100 mg/kg, and Group IV to VII were administered with streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group IV was diabetic control, Group V in addition was given AlCl(3)50 mg/kg, Group VI glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), and Group VII glibenclamide and AlCl(3)(50 mg/kg) per-oral daily for 28 days. Blood glucose and lipid levels were estimated at base line, after diabetes was set in and on the last day of study. Histopathological changes in pancreas, liver, and kidney were studied. RESULTS: No significant change was observed in blood glucose and lipid levels in Group I. Group II and III showed a dose-dependent significant increase in blood glucose was observed. Group V had a reduction in blood glucose but not to the nondiabetic level. Group VI had significant reduction in blood sugar. In Group VII, treated with glibenclamide and AlCl(3), there was no significant change in blood glucose reduction compared to Group VI. Lipid levels were reduced in groups treated with AlCl(3) and glibenclamide and not in other groups. Gross tissue damage was seen in pancreas in STZ group and in liver and kidney in AlCl(3) groups. CONCLUSION: AlCl(3) administration in Wistar rats caused in significant hyperglycemia in normal rats, hypoglycemia in diabetic rats, and did not influenced hypoglycemic effect of glibenclamide and in addition, resulted in reduction in lipid levels.