Protective effect of curcumin on histopathology and ultrastructure of pancreas in the alloxan treated rats for induction of diabetes

Alloxan has been widely used to produce experimental diabetes mellitus syndrome. This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect against alloxan-induced pancreatic damage by curcumin. Rats were divided into four groups. (1) Control group. (2) Curcumin control group. (3) Diabetic group with a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg alloxan/kg b.wt. (4) Diabetic group treated with curcumin orally at a dose of 60 mg/kg b.wt dissolved in distilled water. Blood samples were collected for the detection of serum glucose levels. The pancreas was prepared for histopathological, immunohistochemical stain using anti-insulin antibody and ultrastructural studies. The electron microscopic examination of diabetic pancreas showed marked changes in pancreatic acini represented by dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, decrease of secretory granules, cytoplasmic vacuolation and irregular contours of nuclei. β-Cells showed fusion of some granules, obvious vacuolation and pyknotic nuclei. α Cells revealed focal necrosis and vacuolation, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and depletion of secretory granules. Curcumin improved the histopathology and ultrastructure changes of the islets, alpha cells and exocrine acini, which nearly reverted to their normal structure. It increased insulin immunoreactivity and decreased the elevated glucose concentrations.