OBJECTIVE: To observe and quantitatively analyze the effect of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on the alveolar capillary basal lamina in spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus animal model Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. METHODS: Experimental rats were divided into three groups: OLETF group, GLP-1-treated group (OLETF/G group), and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka group (LETO group) as control. The ultrastructure and thickness of the alveolar capillary basal lamina in the rats were examined by transmission electron microscopy and morphometry methods. RESULTS: The fused basal lamina (F-BL) of the alveolar capillary endothelium and type I epithelial basal lamina, and the alveolar capillary endothelium basal lamina (Cap-BL) were thickened in OLETF rats than those of LETO rats [(110.60+/-14.14) nm vs (57.30+/-11.08) nm, and (118.40+/-19.12) nm vs (66.80+/-8.63) nm, P<0.01]. F-BL and Cap-BL were thinned in the OLETF/G group as compared with OLETF group [(79.70+/-5.44) nm vs (110.60+/-14.14) nm and (69.80 +/-3.32) nm vs (118.40+/-19.12) nm, P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggest the existence of ultrastructural changes of alveolar capillary basal lamina in OLETF rats. GLP-1 intervention decreases the damage of alveolar capillary basal lamina in OLETF rats.
OBJECTIVE: To observe and quantitatively analyze the effect of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on the alveolar capillary basal lamina in spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus animal model Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. METHODS: Experimental rats were divided into three groups: OLETF group, GLP-1-treated group (OLETF/G group), and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka group (LETO group) as control. The ultrastructure and thickness of the alveolar capillary basal lamina in the rats were examined by transmission electron microscopy and morphometry methods. RESULTS: The fused basal lamina (F-BL) of the alveolar capillary endothelium and type I epithelial basal lamina, and the alveolar capillary endothelium basal lamina (Cap-BL) were thickened in OLETFrats than those of LETO rats [(110.60+/-14.14) nm vs (57.30+/-11.08) nm, and (118.40+/-19.12) nm vs (66.80+/-8.63) nm, P<0.01]. F-BL and Cap-BL were thinned in the OLETF/G group as compared with OLETF group [(79.70+/-5.44) nm vs (110.60+/-14.14) nm and (69.80 +/-3.32) nm vs (118.40+/-19.12) nm, P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggest the existence of ultrastructural changes of alveolar capillary basal lamina in OLETFrats. GLP-1 intervention decreases the damage of alveolar capillary basal lamina in OLETFrats.