Glucostatic properties of erythrocytes from rats treated with dexamethasone <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To analyze in vitro and in vivo glucostatic properties of erythrocytes of rats subjected to treatment with dexamethasone. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were used, divided into two groups of 10 animals, with one control group and one group treated with dexamethasone (1mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal route, for five days). After treatment, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected from arterial and venous vascular system in order to evaluate in vivo glucose levels and glycogen reserve. For the in vitro analysis, blood was collected from renal vein, and erythrocytes were isolated, incubated, and examined. Data were analyzed by Spearman correlation and Student t test. The significance level for p-value was 0.05. RESULTS: The normal erythrocytes showed significant arteriovenous blood glucose difference of 56% in the venous system, and glycogen was 44% higher in supra-hepatic vein. In the presence of dexamethasone, blood glucose were 34% higher in the venous system and glycogen 42% lower in the portal vein. The glucostatic properties of erythrocytes have not been compromised in the presence of dexamethasone in the in vitro study. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with dexamethasone affects blood glucose levels but does not interfere with glucostatic functions of erythrocytes.