Relationship Between the Degrees of Glomerular Damage and Expressions of β_1 Integrin in Rats with Diabetic Mellitus

Objective To observe the relationship between the degrees of glomerular damage with the expressions of β 1 integrin in rats with diabetic mellitus. Methods 36 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control(n=12), untreated diabetic group(n=12),insulin treated group(n=12).To make a comparison of 24 hours urine protein quantitative analysis, urine albumin excretion and renal functions in 3 groups. Then the degree of glomerular damage and the expression of β 1 integrin were estimated by histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Results The expression of β 1 integrin in rats with diabetic mellitus was significantly increased, which had significant correlation with the degrees of glomerular damage. The expressions of β 1 integrin in renal tissues in rats with diabetic mellitus and the degrees of glomerular damage were reduced after being treated with insulin. Conclusion Insulin may have a direct protection for renal function through inhibiting the expressions of β 1 integrin in rats with diabetic mellitus.