RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Morphological Characterization of Systemic Changes in KK-Ay Mice as an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes JF In Vivo JO In Vivo FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 465 OP 472 VO 27 IS 4 A1 TAKAYASU MOROKI A1 YUTAKA YOSHIKAWA A1 KATSUHIKO YOSHIZAWA A1 AIRO TSUBURA A1 HIROYUKI YASUI YR 2013 UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/27/4/465.abstract AB Background: KK-Ay mice, a relevant model of human type 2 diabetes mellitus, are used worldwide for the assessment of pharmacological effects of new anti-diabetes drugs. Materials and Methods: KK-Ay mice were examined at five weeks of age (non-hyperglycemic condition) and at 10 and 14 weeks of age (hyperglycemic condition). Results: Islet cell hypertrophy was observed in 10- and 14-week-old mice. The area ratio of islet cells to total pancreas significantly increased compared to that of age-matched C57BL/6J mice. Plasma insulin concentration increased in 14-week-old KK-Ay mice. Enlargement of mesangial matrix and increased glomerular area were seen in kidneys of KK-Ay mice. Fatty changes were observed in the liver. Total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased compared to that of five-week-old KK-Ay mice. Conclusion: The present results on young/adult KK-Ay mice indicate that the hyperglycemic state developing at the early stage of diabetes mellitus is due to related changes in systemic organs.