Attenuation of streptozotocin diabetes with superoxide dismutase-like copper(II)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 in the rat.

Experimental diabetes can be produced by agents with specific toxicity for pancreatic islet B cells. This effect has been reported to be modified both in vitro and in vivo by various radical scavengers including the enzyme superoxide dismutase. Copper(II)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)2 is lipophilic and possesses superoxide dismutase bioactivity. Prior administration of this compound to male rats appeared to attenuate the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes as assessed by glycosuria and glucose tolerance. Diisopropylsalicylate, which has no superoxide dismutase activity, did not alter the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats treated with the copper complex, with streptozotocin or with a combination of the two agents gained 50% less weight than untreated controls, or rats treated with diisopropylsalicylate. The attenuation of diabetes by the copper-complex may represent partial protection of the B cells against streptozotocin damage, although an extrapancreatic, toxic effect cannot be ruled out.