Metabolic correlates and axonal transport in nerves during experimental diabetes.
The most recent biochemical abnormalities, particularly of peripheral nerve, found both in experimental and human diabetic diseases are briefly reviewed. Some of the metabolic features that have fairly well emerged are the following: 1. Correlations exist between reduced nerve myo-inositol level, increased activity of sorbitol pathway and nerve conduction velocity impairment. 2. 32P-labeling of polyphosphoinositides was considerably increased in diabetic rats as compared to controls, whereas inositol and glycerol uptake was decreased. Speculation on this phenomenon is reported. 3. Changes in bidirectional axonal transport of proteins within sciatic and optic nerve fibers were observed. These findings are related to the decrease of perikaryal protein synthesis. 4. Diabetic neuropathy seems to affect the elongation rate of regenerating neurites. 5. Many of the observed abnormalities are reversed by insulin treatment.
Alberghina
M
M
Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
D000818:Animals; D001370:Axonal Transport; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000378:metabolism*; D007294:Inositol / Q000378:metabolism; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism*
D007294:Inositol