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Peripheral neuropathy in mouse hereditary diabetes mellitus. I. Comparison of neurologic, histologic, and
Abstract:
C57BL/KsJ db/db inbred mice have an hereditary autosomal recessive disease resembling in some respects maturity onset human diabetes mellitus. At 8--11 months of age, they displayed intermittent symptoms suggestive of a mild sensory neuropathy. These symptoms consisted of adduction of their hind limbs and flexing hind paws when raised by the tail, and inability to maintain their position on the roto wheel. Peripheral nerves and sensory ganglia of the diabetic mice were compared with those of the unafflicted littermates and studied with respect to Schwann cell counts and myelinated nerve fiber diameter measurements. In addition, teased fibers of peripheral nerves were compared for obvious changes in internodal distance and demyelination. Chromatolytic neurons were moe abundant in lumbosacral spinal ganglia of diabetic mice than in corresponding ganglia of controls or in more anterior spinal ganglia and trigeminal ganglia of diabetics. Histologic studies showed an increase in Schwann cell counts in longitudinal sections of peripheral nerves. A similar but larger increase was observed in peripheral nerves of mice affected with an hereditary sensory neuropathy, dystonia musculorum. A small but general decrease in myelinated fiber diameter was observed in sensory and motor nerves.
Insights
Diabetic mice exhibit sensory neuropathy, showing nerve fiber damage and increased Schwann cells. These findings in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice offer insights into diabetes-related nerve complications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- C57BL/KsJ db/db mice possess an autosomal recessive disorder mimicking human diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic mice at 8-11 months display symptoms of mild sensory neuropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral nerve and sensory ganglia changes in diabetic mice.
- To compare neuropathological findings with control littermates and hereditary sensory neuropathy models.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of peripheral nerves and sensory ganglia.
- Quantification of Schwann cell counts and myelinated nerve fiber diameters.
- Analysis of internodal distance and demyelination in teased nerve fibers.
Main Results:
- Increased chromatolytic neurons in lumbosacral spinal ganglia of diabetic mice.
- Elevated Schwann cell counts in peripheral nerves of diabetic mice.
- A slight reduction in myelinated nerve fiber diameter in sensory and motor nerves.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic db/db mice develop sensory neuropathy characterized by specific neuronal and axonal alterations.
- Findings suggest a link between diabetes and peripheral nerve pathology in this model.
- The study provides a basis for further research into diabetes-induced neuropathy mechanisms.