Infrared thermography reveals alterations in surface body temperature in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired thermoregulation, yet the extent of these alterations remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to evaluate changes in surface body temperature in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice using infrared thermography, a non-invasive technique for assessing body temperature regulation. Experimental studies were conducted on male BALB/c mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg). Infrared imaging was performed 20 days after streptozotocin injection at 11:00 AM (light phase) and 7:00 PM (transition to the dark phase). The analysis focused on key body regions, including the head, interscapular area, and tail base. The results revealed a significant reduction in surface body temperature in diabetic mice compared to controls at both time points, with a more pronounced decrease observed in the evening. The interscapular region exhibited lower surface temperatures in diabetic mice, suggesting impaired thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Additionally, reduced tail base temperature indicated increased vasoconstriction, further supporting the hypothesis of compromised thermoregulation. These findings highlight the impact of diabetes on body temperature regulation and suggest a potential circadian component to these alterations. The study underscores the utility of infrared thermography as a valuable method for assessing thermoregulatory dysfunction in metabolic disorders. Future research should explore the progression of these temperature changes over time and their response to different environmental conditions and pharmacological interventions.