Non-genetic rodent models have been developed that combine exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) with low doses of streptozotocin (STZ), a toxin that specifically targets the insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas and destroys them through the alkylation of DNA. These models are popular because they more closely mirror the metabolic disturbances observed in Type 2 diabetic patients than is the case with monogenetic rodent models of diabetes/obesity or dietary-induced obese rats and mice alone. RenaSci have evaluated a variety of STZ doses, each of which develop different degrees of insulin resistance and diabetes, allowing you to choose the specific phenotype required for your project.

 

Impaired glucose tolerance in STZ-treated mice on high fat diet

 

Reduced pancreatic insulin and β-cell mass in
STZ- treated mice on a high fat diet