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Muscle and nerve dysfunction in rats with experimental galactosaemia
N E Cameron1, M A Cotter, S Robertson
1School of Biomedical Sciences, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Experimental Physiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Dietary galactose supplementation in rats caused muscle and nerve changes similar to diabetes by increasing galactitol. Aldose reductase inhibition largely prevented these effects, suggesting polyol pathway involvement in diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Neurology
Background:
- The polyol pathway is implicated in diabetic complications.
- Galactose metabolism leads to galactitol accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary galactose on muscle and nerve function in rats.
- To explore the role of the polyol pathway in these effects.
Main Methods:
- Rats were supplemented with 40% galactose for up to 4 months.
- Muscle (extensor digitorum longus, soleus) and sciatic nerve function were assessed.
- Effects were compared with and without aldose reductase inhibition.
Main Results:
- Galactose led to muscle fiber damage, altered contraction/relaxation times, and reduced fatigue resistance.
- Nerve conduction velocity decreased, while resistance to hypoxic block increased.
- Aldose reductase inhibition largely prevented these functional and structural changes.
Conclusions:
- Polyol pathway hyperactivity contributes to diabetic myopathy and neuropathy.
- Experimental galactosaemia is a valuable model for studying polyol pathway effects.