Summary
A transparent tissue chamber adapted to the rat back was used for in vivo observation of vascular and circulatory changes in the streptozotocin diabetic rat.
The chamber was implanted in a functional and richly vascularized bed of striated
muscle. Extensive red cell rouleaux formation was observed within 2-7 days of induction
of hyperglycaemia and was closely followed by development of constrictions and dilatations
in both venules and arterioles. In 3 of 7 diabetic rats saccular microaneurysms, similar
in form to those reported in diabetic animals and humans, developed in the vascular
bed.
The rat back chamber provides an opportunity for continuous in vivo study of vascular lesions developing in streptozotocin diabetes. Fixation under microscopic
observation allows close correlation of functional changes in vivo with the ultrastructural appearance of specific tissue areas.
Key-Words:
Diabetes
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Streptozotocin
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Microangiopathy
