Anomer-equilibrated streptozotocin solution for the induction of experimental diabetes in mice (Mus musculus).

Streptozotocin is widely used to induce diabetes in laboratory animals through multiple low-dose or single high-dose intraperitoneal injections. HPLC analysis has shown that the composition of the solution may change considerably during the first 2 h after dissolution due to equilibration of the 2 anomers (alpha and beta) of streptozotocin. Because of the drug's alleged instability in solution, the typical recommendation is to administer streptozotocin within 10 min after dissolution.