Evaluation Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Blood Insulin Secretion due to Pancreatic Stimulation in Type 2 Diabetic Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound is a noninvasive, nonionizing radiation that can be focused to transfer acoustic energy into the body, inducing mechanical stimulation in cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on insulin release in type 2 diabetes (T2D) male rats.

Methods: Twenty-eight white male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non-diabetic control, diabetic control and diabetic treated with ultrasound at intensities of 1 W/cm² and 1.5 W/cm² (frequency = 1 MHz; pulsed = 1:2; exposure time = 15 min) in vivo. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and a low dose (35 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ). After 14 days of LIPUS treatment, blood and tissue samples were analyzed.

Results: LIPUS treatment significantly increased insulin levels by 79.55% (P < 0.001) - 94.80% (P < 0.001) and decreased glucose levels by 44.55% (P < 0.001) - 45.64% (P < 0.01). Additionally, glucagon levels increased by 31.39% (P < 0.05) - 45.69% (P < 0.01), while somatostatin levels decreased by 12.12-21.50% (P > 0.05). The pancreas and surrounding tissues, such as the liver and spleen, were not affected by the LIPUS treatment.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that LIPUS treatment improved glycemic control, insulin secretion and beta-cell function in T2D caused by HFD and low dose STZ (35 mg/kg) without tissue damage.

J Endocrinol Metab. 2024;14(4):184-193
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem1002