Effect of rosiglitazone on ultra-microstructure of macro-vascular in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Objective To investigate the protective effect of rosiglitazone on ultra-microstructure of diabetic rat carotid artery.Methods Forty-eight rats were assigned to normal control group,diabetic group and rosiglitazone group.The rats were given rosiglitazone [(5 mg/(kg·d)] for therapeutic intervention in rosiglitazone group.The morphological changes of diabetic rat carotid artery were examined by light microscope and transmission electron microscope.Then carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT)were measured at weeks 8 and 12.The levels of blood glucose and C-peptide were determined.Results Compared with normal group,body weight in diabetic group decreased;and the levels of C-peptide decreased,the glucose and the carotid artery IMT increased significantly in diabetic group and rosiglitazone group.In diabetic group and rosiglitazone group,endothelial cells were arranged disorderly and were degenerative and necrotic;smooth muscle cells were hyperplastic;and the elastic membrane was ruptured.Compared with diabetic group,the body weight increased and IMT decreased in rosiglitazone group,and the changes of ultra-microstructure were significantly improved.Conclusion Rosiglitazone could improve the changes of ultra-microstructure of diabetic rat carotid artery and play a protective role in macro-vascular lesion of diabetes mellitus.