ALIMENTARY TRACT DIGEST LIUER IIIS 2002;34:707-16 Remodelling of zero-stress state of small intestine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Effect of gliclazide J. Zhaol H. Sha S. Zhou X. Tong F.Y. Zhuang H. Gregersenl China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China; 1 Biomechanics Lab, Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg UniversiCy and Department of Surgery A, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark. AddmsforEcMypandarrwr Prof.H. Gragersen, Centre for Sensory- Motor Ineeraction, Aalborg Univarsicy, Fredrik Baiersvej 7D-3, UK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark. Fax: +45-981-54008. E-mail: hab@smi.auc.dk Study supported by Karen Nise Jensens Found&ion andDanish Technical Research Council. Submitted October 29, 2001. Accepted after revision March4, 2002. Background. Biomechanical properties in terms of residual strains in diabetic small intestine have not been studied. Furthermore, no data have been reported on effect of gliclazide on gastrointestinal compli- cations of diabetes. Aims, To determine remodelling of zero-stress state of small intestine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and effect of gliclazide treat- ment. Materials. Morphological properties and residual strains were studied in duodenum, jejunum and ileum obtained from diabetic rats, gliclazide- treated diabetic rats and normal rats [n=8 each group). Methods. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Gliclazide (IO mg kg’ day’) was injected di- rectly into stomach lumen by intragastric gavage twice daily Experi- mental period was 35 days. To approach no-load state; intestinal seg- ments were surgically excised and cut transversely into short ring- shaped segments. Each ring was cut radially to obtain geometry of ze- ro-stress state. Circumferential length, the wall thickness and opening angle were measured from digital images of each specimen and resid- ual strains were computed. Results. Blood glucose level of diabetic group (-20 mmol/l] was con- sistently higher than that in normal group (-4 mmol/l] after induction of diabetes (pcO.001). Gliclazide lowered average blood glucose level to between IO and 75 mmol/l (pp<O.OOl). Plasma insulin levels of both diabetic groups [average between IO and 15 pmol/l) were sig- nificantly lower than those in normal group [average - 18 pmol/l, p<O.O5). Wet weight per unit length and wall thickness of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were significantly higher in Diabetes group than those in Normal group (~~0.05). Opening angle and absolute value of residual strain were significantly smaller in duodenum and larger in je- junum and ileum in Diabetes group than in Normal group [pp<O.Ol). Gli- clazide treatment partly restored these changes (pcO.05). Conclusions. Diabetes induced morphometric and biomechanical re- modelling in intestine. Gliclazide partly restored these changes. Digest her Ois 2002;34:707-16 Key words: diabetes; gliclazide; opening angle; residual strain: small intestine Introduction Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common among people I 2. As many as 75% of patients visiting diabetes clinics report significant GI symptoms. The entire GI tract from the oesophagus to the anorectal region can be af- fected by diabetes mellitus. Common complaints include dysphasia, ear- ly satiety, reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and di- arrhoea. Both acute and chronic hyperglycaemia can lead to specific GI complications. As with other complications of diabetes, the duration of