Effect of cadmium on sciatic nerve in diabetic rats: an ultrastructural study

The present study demonstrated the ultrastructural effects of diabetes and cadmium on the peripheral nervous system. In this study we used 52 healthy Swiss male albino rats. They were divided into four groups: control (C), diabetic (D), cadmium (Cd), and diabetic and cadmium (D + Cd). The diabetic condition was induced by intravenous injection of 5 mg alloxan/100 g body weight, via the caudal vein. Cd and D + Cd groups were injected with CdCl2 intraperitoneally (2 mg/Kg/week) for two months. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and their sciatic nerves were dissected. The tissue samples were investigated by using light and electron microscopic techniques. Upon investigation, it was seen that myelinated axons in sciatic nerve of diabetic and Cd treatment groups had onion-bulb type myelin destruction, melting, and protrusion. Basal lamina of capillary endothelia of D, Cd, and D + Cd groups were thickened and the endothelial apical membrane was rough. In conclusion, Cd toxicity exacerbated the destructive effect of diabetes on the peripheral nervous system.