[Effects of ganoderma lucidum spores on cytochrome C and mitochondrial calcium in the testis of NIDDM rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spores on Cytochrome C (Cyt-C) and mitochondrial calcium in the testis of NIDDM rats. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups: model, ganoderma and normal control, the first two groups injected with 2% STZ through vena caudalis, and the last one with half-and-half sodium citrate/citrate buffer solution. Two weeks after normal diet, glucose tolerance tests were performed and the rats with abnormal glucose tolerance from the model and ganoderma groups received high-fat and high-carbohydrate food, the ganoderma group given Ganoderma lucidum spores (250mg/[ kg x d] ) in addition, both for 10 weeks. Glucose tolerance tests were repeated 1 day before the end of the experiment and the rats were castrated and relevant indexes measured. RESULTS: The NIDDM model was successfully constructed. In the model group, the levels of mitochondrial Cyt-C and mitochondrial calcium were significantly lower (P <0. 05) while that of the plasma Cyt-C was significantly higher than in the ganoderma and the control groups. CONCLUSION: Cyt-C and calcium ion are involved in the damage of the testis. Ganoderma lucidum spores can protect the testis of NIDDM rats.