Introduction: Altered function of astrocytes has been noticed in diabetes mellitus type 1.
Aims: This study was carried out to determine the effects of chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia on neuroglial elements of the
CA3 region of hippocampus.
Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in adult male wistar rats by application of streptozotocin (60mg/kg). After
8 weeks, the hippocampi were removed and the number of astrocytes and degenerated neurons in CA3 were studied using
transmission electron microscopy.
Results: The astrocytes exhibited structural changes, including reduced electron density of the nucleus, electro-lucent
heterochromatin, and vacuolated cytoplasm. The mean number of astrocytes in the CA3 region of diabetic group (7±2)
showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). The number of degenerated neurons in the diabetic
animals showed significant level of difference in comparison with control (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Our data revealed that chronic diabetes mellitus type 1is associated with increase in the mean number of astrocytes
and ultrastructural astrocyte changes in the CA3 region of hippocampus.