STZ-induced diabetes service

We offer a streptozotocin-induced (STZ-induced) diabetes service which is based on a multiple low dose STZ (MDSTZ) protocol developed and tested at The Jackson Laboratory. STZ is an alkylating agent that induces pancreatic islet damage and subsequent diabetes in mice (Science 193:415-417, 1976). The males of various strains of mice are differentially susceptible to STZ-induced diabetes: males of strains FVB/NJ (001800), BALB/cJ (000651), and A/J (000646) are resistant; males of strain C57BL/6J (000664) are moderately susceptible; and males of strains NOD/ShiLtJ (001976) and CBA/J (000656) are highly susceptible (Leiter et al. 1999).  For C57BL/6J mice, the following protocol has been employed:

Our STZ service focuses on the injection of C57BL/6J (B6) male mice. Six- to 8-week old B6 males are individually identified, weighed and a baseline glucose level is determined.  The mice receive daily IP injections of 50 mg STZ/kg body weight for five consecutive days.  The precise daily dosage is based on each animal’s initial weight; age-matched control males receive buffer–only injections.  Since the animals metabolize STZ for at least 24 hours post-injection, the mice are housed in disposable cages with appropriate absorbent bedding material and provided food and water ad libitum. 

At least 24-hours after the final injection, all mice are moved to clean cages, and individual weight and glucose measurements are taken.  The mice are maintained with daily observation until the 16th day after the initial injection, when the mice are weighed and their blood glucose levels determined.  STZ-treated B6 males are deemed diabetic if blood glucose levels are at least 300-400 mg/dL.  Pathological analysis of treated mice indicate the pancreatic B-islet cells are severely depleted, if not totally absent. 

Blood glucose and body weight measurements may be provided for individual mice.

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding this service are available

Related services

We also offer Diet Induced Obese (DIO) Mice.  In addition, we provide compound testing and evaluation services, as well as phenotypic assessment of diabetic and obese mice.

Request a copy of our Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity Resource Manual


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References

Leiter EL 1999. In McNeill JH ed. Experimental models of diabetes. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 418pp.