Progression of pancreatitis prior to diabetes onset in WBN/Kob- Lepr fa rats

Abstract

We established the WBN/Kob-Lepr fa rat as a new congenic strain for the fa allele of the leptin receptor gene (Lepr). Homozy-gous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr fa rats provide a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although its onset is secondary to pancreatitis. In the present study, we compared histopathological observations of pancreatitis in each genotype of this rat, to examine its suitability as a model of pancreatitis. The histopathological findings of the pancreatitis revealed intense changes dependent on age, such as hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. The pancreatitis in homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr fa rats were more severe than those of WBN/ Kob rats. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science.