Progression of Pancreatitis Prior to Diabetes Onset in WBN/Kob-Leprfa Rats

We established the WBN/Kob-Leprfa rat as a new congenic strain for the fa allele of the leptin receptor gene (Lepr). Homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Leprfa rats provide a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although its onset is secondary to pancreatitis. In the present study, we compared histopathological observations of pancreatitis in each genotype of this rat, to examine its suitability as a model of pancreatitis. The histopathological findings of the pancreatitis revealed intense changes dependent on age, such as hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. The pancreatitis in homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Leprfa rats were more severe than those of WBN/Kob rats.