Induction of diabetes in nonhuman primates by means of temporary arterial embolization and selective arterial injection of streptozotocin

PURPOSE: To develop and assess a technique for induction of C peptide-negative diabetes in adult nonhuman primates in preparation for preclinical investigation of type 1 diabetes treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, temporary embolization of the hepatic and gastric arteries was performed in 14 adult nonhuman primates (six cynomolgus, five rhesus, and three pigtail macaques). After embolization was confirmed with angiography, streptozotocin was injected at a dose of 50-70 mg/kg into the celiac artery and branches supplying the pancreas. The macaques then were given intravenous injections of arginine and glucose, and blood levels of insulin and C pepticle were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine whether diabetes had been induced. RESULTS: All but one of the macaques developed persistent long-term C peptidenegative diabetes after the streptozotocin injection. One macaque did not develop diabetes after the initial injection and was given a second dose of streoptozotocin, which did induce diabetes. None of the macaques showed any symptoms of hepatic or renal injury, and only one died (of gastric dilatation 5 days after the procedure). CONCLUSION: Streptozotocin injection after temporary embolization of the hepatic and gastric arteries is a safe and reproducible method for inducing C pepticlenegative diabetes in adult nonhuman primates in preparation for preclinical investigation of type 1 diabetes treatments. (C) RSNA, 2004.