Question

Treatment with alloxan destroys

• A. Stilt cells
• B. $\beta$-cells of Langerhans
• C. Sertoli cells
• D. Cells of Leydig

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\beta$-cells of Langerhans

Alloxan is a toxic glucose analogue, which selectively destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (that is beta cells) when administered to rodents and many other animal species. This causes an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (called as alloxan diabetes) in these animals, with characteristics similar to type 1 diabetes in humans. Alloxan is selectively toxic to insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells because it preferentially accumulates in beta cells through uptake via the GLUT2 glucose transporter.