A Low Molecular Weight Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Mimetic Given Per OS Increases the Survival of Pancreatic β-Cells in a Streptozotocin Model of Diabetes

We present here results of studies of the antidiabetic activity of compound GK-2 (bis-(N-monosuccinyl-glutamyl-L-lysine) hexamethylenediamide), an NGF mimetic, in a model of streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Two-week prophylactic courses of oral GK-2 did not decrease blood glucose levels in healthy animals but reduces the severity of hyperglycemia and eliminated the insulin resistance effect induced by streptozotocin. Morphological analysis of the pancreas of the animals using monoclonal antibodies to insulin showed that while streptozotocin decreased the number of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, GK-2 produced a statistically significant reduction in this harmful effect and promoted recovery of pancreatic islet size. A strong correlation was found between the extent of the cytoprotective action as indicated by morphometric measures and the strength of the hypoglycemic effect.