Alloxan
Alloxan
Alloxan (pronounced: al-ox-an) is a pyrimidine derivative that is commonly used in research to induce diabetes in animals.
Etymology
The term "Alloxan" is derived from the word "Allantoin", a compound that is a major metabolic intermediate in most organisms including animals, plants and bacteria. The "xan" part of the word is derived from "xanthine", a purine base found in most body tissues and fluids.
Usage
Alloxan is primarily used in scientific research to induce Type 1 diabetes in lab animals. It does this by selectively destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This allows researchers to study the effects of diabetes and potential treatments in a controlled environment.
Related Terms
- Pyrimidine: A heterocyclic aromatic organic compound similar to pyridine. One of the three diazines, it has the nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3 in the ring.
- Type 1 diabetes: A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
- Beta cells: A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They make up 65-80% of the cells in the islets.
- Insulin: A hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes.
- Pancreas: A glandular organ in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alloxan
- Wikipedia's article - Alloxan
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