EFFECT OF HYDROXYETHYL STARCH SOLUTIONS ON BLOOD-GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS IN DIABETIC AND NONDIABETIC RATS

Background and Methods: The effects of iv infusions of 6% hetastarch or 10% pentastarch on blood glucose concentrations were tested in 12 nondiabetic and 12 streptozotocin-induced diabetic pentobarbital-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 313 to 473 g. All rats were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated. After control measurements of blood glucose concentrations were taken, rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 (n = 6) and 2 (n = 6) comprised nondiabetic rats that received iv infusions of hetastarch or pentastarch, respectively, at a rate of 2.0 mL over 30 mins. Groups 3 (n = 6) and 4 (n = 6) comprised diabetic rats that also received iv hetastarch or pentastarch, respectively, at the same rate and duration of infusion. Results: Neither hetastarch nor pentastarch infusions significantly altered blood glucose values over the 3-hr study period, regardless of whether the rats were diabetic or nondiabetic. Conclusions: Assuming these data are transferable to humans, the authors conclude that hydroxyethyl starch solutions do not produce or exacerbate hyperglycemia, and furthermore, that their use is not contraindicated in subjects having hyperglycemia from diabetes mellitus or iatrogenic causes.