Frequently asked questions about our STZ-induced Diabetes Service

What is STZ?

Streptozotocin (STZ) is an alkylating agent that affects pancreatic islets, inducing diabetes in mice. The males of various strains are differentially susceptible: FVB/NJ (001800), BALB/cJ (000651), and A/J (000646) males are resistant; C57BL/6J (000664) males are moderately susceptible; and NOD/ShiLtJ (001976) and CBA/J (000656) males are highly susceptible. We have developed a multiple low dose STZ protocol that induces diabetes in C57BL/6J males.

What is the JAX protocol for STZ-induced diabetes?

  • Six- to eight-week old C57BL/6J (000664, B6) males are individually marked, weighed, and their baseline blood glucose levels determined (Ultra One-touch monitor)
  • Mice receive daily IP injections of 50 mg STZ/kg body weight (the most effective dose for B6 males) for five consecutive days; age-matched controls receive buffer–only injections
  • Because mice metabolize STZ for at least 24 hours post-injection, they are housed in disposable cages with appropriate absorbent bedding and food and water ad libitum 
  • At least 24-hours after the final injection, all mice are moved to clean cages, weighed, and their blood glucose levels determined
  • The mice are observed daily until day 16 of the study (10 days post injection), when they are weighed and their blood glucose levels determined (at this time, pancreatic B-islet cells are totally absent or severely depleted) 
  • Mice are deemed diabetic if their non-fasted blood glucose levels are > 300-400 mg/dL
  • Blood glucose level and body weight data for individual mice are shipped with the mice

How soon and late after being STZ-injected can mice be shipped?

Although we can ship STZ-injected mice as early as day eight post injection, we cannot guarantee their health if shipped that early. We prefer to ship no earlier than day 18 post injection. This allows us to confirm that the mice are diabetic and allows the mice to acclimate to the water transit kits in the shipping containers. Similarly, out of concern for their health/survival, we will not ship injected mice any later than two months post injection.

Will you consider modifying your STZ-injection protocol?

We will evaluate alternative protocols on a case-by-case basis. Using alternative protocols requires the approval from our Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) and will be considered pilot experiments.

Do you ship STZ-injected mice internationally?

Out of concern for the health/survival of the mice, we do not ship mice internationally. However, we can collect, fix, and ship injected mouse tissues internationally.  Additionally, we can block tissues, make H&E slides, and provide pathological analysis from a board-certified mouse veterinary pathologist.  Please contact jaxservices@jax.org for more information.

How will I be billed?

Mice and shipments are billed at the regular rate. Additionally, you will be invoiced $70 for each mouse in the study, whether injected with STZ or with the control buffer. That fee covers the cost of all project initiation and management, all supplies and chemicals, and the water transit kits in the shipping containers.

How soon after I sign a quote can you begin STZ injections?

We order STZ as soon as we have the signed purchase order. Delivery takes a week. All injection protocols begin on Mondays.