Abstract: Objective To investigate the vascular calcification and its risk factors in type 2 diabetic rat models. Methods Models of type 2 diabetes were established in rats by high-energy diet and an intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin(STZ, 30 mg/kg). The rats in control group were fed with regular diet. Calcification of rat aortas were indentified by Von Kossa staining and atomic absorptiometry. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, 24 h urine albumin excretion and creatinine clearance rate were monitored. Results The rats fed with high-energy diet markedly shaved obesity, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and albuminuria. Although HE and Von Kossa staining didn't demonstrate calcium deposition, the calcium content detected by atomic absorptiometry in model group was significantly higher than that of control group(P＜0.01). We didn't find any connections between calcium content and weight, blood sugar, plasma insulin, albuminuria or Ccr. Conclusion The aorta calcium level of type 2 diabetic rat model increased significantly. The cause and mechanism of calcification remain to be elucidated.

Key words: diabetes, angiosteosis, risk factor