Protective effect of copper against pancreatic insult in streptozotocin-induced diabetogenic rat

The present study examined the alterations in endogenous oxy-radical scavenging system of pancreatic tissue associated with the dose of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) alone or with various combinations. The activities of pancreatic Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were no apparent changes in the other groups except for the Cu(II) 4 mg/kg pretreated group. The presence of 4 mg/kg of Cu(II) with or without 125 mg/kg of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) markedly attenuated the fall in activity of Cu, Zn-SOD by STZ stress. In particular, STZ-induced superoxide generation was dramatically abolished by prior administration of Cu(II) 4 mg/kg. Conclusively, We suggest the possible involvement that copper may enhance the defense mechanism of pancreatic oxidative damage by STZ challenge.