ISSN:
1471-4159
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
We evaluated the effects of chronic hyperglycemia on L5 DRG neurons. Experimental diabetic neuropathy (EDN) was induced by streptozotocin. We studied peripheral nerve after 1, 3, 12 months of diabetes. A conduction deficit was present from the first month and persisted over 12 months, affecting mainly sensory fibers. 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine labeling was significantly increased at all time points in DRG neurons, indicating oxidative injury. Caspase-3 labeling was increased at all three time-points, indicating commitment to the efferent limb of the apoptotic pathway. Apoptosis was confirmed by a significant increase in the percent of neurons undergoing apoptosis (TUNEL staining) at 1 month (8%), 3 months (7%) and 12 months (11%). Morphometry of DRG showed a selective loss (42%) of the largest neurons. These findings support the concept that oxidative stress leads to oxidative injury of DRG neurons, with mitochondrium as a specific target, leading to apoptosis and a predominantly sensory neuropathy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1471-4159.85.s2.14_2.x
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