After acclimatization for 7 to 10 days, the rats were fasted
for 12 hours before an intramuscular injection of streptozotocin
(STZ) (Sigma-Aldrich, 50 mg/kg body weight [BW])
dissolved in citrate buffer at pH 4.5. Two days after STZ
treatment, the rats were considered diabetic (as determined by non fasting blood glucose levels of N300 mg/dL and
positive glucose urine test [Glucocard Test Meter, Japan])
[19]. After induction of diabetes, the rats were maintained on
a conventional diet for the duration of the experiment.