Effect of galactose regimen on glomerular heparan sulfate synthesis and albumin excretion in diabetic rats

Decreased glomerular heparan sulfate synthesis could account for the increased albuminuria observed in experimental diabetes. A similar albuminuria has been observed in galactose-fed animals. To test whether heparan sulfate synthesis is also decreased in galactosemic animals we measured the heparan sulfate synthesis in isolated renal glomeruli from streptozotocin diabetic and normal rats fed regular diets or 30% galactose diets for 11-12 weeks. Albumin excretion and glomerular heparan sulfate synthesis were determined at the time of sacrifice