My question is related to the C57BL6 HFD-fed, streptozotocin-injected mouse model. Is there evidence indicating that these mice retain their insulin resistance post STZ-injection?
In our model, mice are fed with a 60% HFD from 5wk of age. At 12wks, when mice exhibit hyperinsulinemia and have established insulin resistance, they are injected with low dose streptozotocin (1x75mg/kg followed by 1x50mg/kg). The fasting insulin levels of HFD-STZ mice drops to that of non-diabetic mice and subsequently mice develop hyperglycemia, both features that we desire.
However, between 24-36 wks fasting hyperglycemia begins to normalize and upon performing an insulin tolerance test we observe that, unlike our HFD-mice, the HFD-STZ mice display an insulin-dependent response when provided with exogenous insulin. Our data suggests that the HFD-STZ mice regain insulin sensitivity, a feature we wish to avoid.
Does anyone have experience with these models that could provide suggestions on how we can retain hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in this model?
Thanks,
Phillipe