The Neurological and Metabolic Effects of Streptozotocin in the Cat

The ability of varying doses of streptozotocin to produce diabetes mellitus in cats was assessed. Doses up to and including 200mg/kg did not induce diabetes, but did impair the glucose tolerance of the animals. Certain neurological symptoms appeared with doses higher than 75 mg/kg, amongst which were parasympathetic actions such as decreased heart rate, defecation, pin point pupils and salivation. In addition, animals given 200 mg/kg showed additional symptoms of hind limb paralysis and hyporeflexia. A suggestion concerning the significance of these findings is given.