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. 2013 Dec 23;12(1):60.
doi: 10.1186/2251-6581-12-60.

Review of the mechanism of cell death resulting from streptozotocin challenge in experimental animals, its practical use and potential risk to humans

Chinedum Ogbonnaya Eleazu  1 , Kate Chinedum Eleazu, Sonia Chukwuma, Udeme Nelson Essien
Affiliations

Review of the mechanism of cell death resulting from streptozotocin challenge in experimental animals, its practical use and potential risk to humans

Chinedum Ogbonnaya Eleazu et al. J Diabetes Metab Disord. .

Abstract

Streptozotocin (STZ) (2-deoxy-2-({[methyl(nitroso)amino]carbonyl}amino)-β-D-glucopyranose) is a naturally occurring diabetogenic compound, produced by the soil bacterium streptomyces achromogenes, that exhibits broad spectrum of antibacterial properties. Streptozotocin functions as a DNA synthesis inhibitor in both bacterial and mammalian cells. In mammalian cells, the actual mechanism and metabolic targets of STZ toxicity that results in cell death is not known. This review identifies four key areas that explain the mechanism of the cytotoxicity of STZ in mammalian cell lines, investigates the practical aspects of using STZ in experimental animals and the potential risks of its exposure to human health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structures of (a) glucose (b) N-acetyl glucosamine (c) Streptozotocin and (d) methylnitrosourea.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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