Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Mouse Sciatic Nerve Transection/Resuture Procedure for Studying Nerve Repair and Functional Recovery
Published on: January 16, 2026
Cerebrolysin improves sciatic nerve dysfunction in a mouse model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Han-Yu Dong1, Xin-Mei Jiang2, Chun-Bo Niu3
1Department of Pediatric Neurology and Rehabilitation, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
Abstract:
To examine the effects of Cerebrolysin on the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we first established a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus by administering a high-glucose, high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Mice defined as diabetic in this model were then treated with 1.80, 5.39 or 8.98 mL/kg of Cerebrolysin via intraperitoneal injections for 10 consecutive days. Our results demonstrated that the number, diameter and area of myelinated nerve fibers increased in the sciatic nerves of these mice after administration of Cerebrolysin. The results of several behavioral tests showed that Cerebrolysin dose-dependently increased the slope angle in the inclined plane test (indicating an improved ability to maintain body position), prolonged tail-flick latency and foot-licking time (indicating enhanced sensitivity to thermal and chemical pain, respectively, and reduced pain thresholds), and increased an index of sciatic nerve function in diabetic mice compared with those behavioral results in untreated diabetic mice. Taken together, the anatomical and functional results suggest that Cerebrolysin ameliorated peripheral neuropathy in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Insights
Cerebrolysin treatment improved nerve fiber health and function in diabetic mice with peripheral neuropathy. This study shows Cerebrolysin effectively ameliorates nerve damage and pain associated with diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Current treatments offer limited efficacy and symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Cerebrolysin on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- To evaluate Cerebrolysin's impact on nerve structure and function in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- A type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse model was induced using a high-glucose, high-fat diet and streptozotocin.
- Diabetic mice received varying doses of Cerebrolysin via intraperitoneal injection for 10 days.
- Nerve morphology, behavioral tests (inclined plane, tail-flick, foot-licking), and sciatic nerve function were assessed.
Main Results:
- Cerebrolysin administration increased the number, diameter, and area of myelinated nerve fibers in sciatic nerves.
- Dose-dependent improvements were observed in motor function, thermal sensitivity, and chemical pain response.
- Sciatic nerve function index significantly improved in Cerebrolysin-treated diabetic mice.
Conclusions:
- Cerebrolysin demonstrated significant neuroprotective and functional recovery effects in a mouse model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- These findings suggest Cerebrolysin holds therapeutic potential for managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
