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Early effects of experimental diabetes on central catecholamine concentrations
U Wesselmann1, R J Konkol, D L Roerig
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Abstract:
Six days after induction of diabetes norepinephrine (NE), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and dopamine concentrations were determined in spinal cord, cerebellum, pons/medulla oblongata and the remaining brain of diabetic rats. Only cerebellar NE levels were significantly increased by 21% compared to age-matched controls. This effect was not seen when diabetic rats received insulin replacement therapy. Fifty-two days after induction of diabetes cerebellar NE levels in diabetic rats were further increased (+37%), implying an enduring and progressive effect. The data show that even with a short period of uncontrolled diabetes central neurochemical alterations occur.