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Myelin protein transcripts increase in experimental diabetic neuropathy
A M Conti1, M L Malosio, E Scarpini
1Institute of Neurology, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Italy.
Neuroscience Letters
|October 29, 1993
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy in rats shows increased myelin protein P0 and MBP mRNA. Insulin treatment partially reverses these changes, suggesting myelin repair attempts in diabetic nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Hyperglycemia can lead to nerve damage and altered myelin protein expression.
- Schwann cells play a crucial role in myelin sheath maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in P0 and Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) mRNA levels in the sciatic nerve of rats with experimentally induced diabetes.
- To evaluate the effect of insulin treatment on these transcript levels.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis was used to quantify P0 and MBP mRNA.
- Diabetes was induced using alloxan in rats.
- Two time points (5 and 14 weeks) were analyzed.
- Insulin treatment was administered to assess its therapeutic effect.
Main Results:
- At 5 weeks of diabetes, P0 mRNA significantly increased by 39%.
- At 14 weeks, both P0 and MBP mRNA levels were markedly elevated compared to controls.
- Insulin treatment normalized blood glucose, partially reduced P0 mRNA increase, and delayed MBP mRNA elevation in chronic diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Increased P0 and MBP mRNA in diabetic rats may indicate heightened myelin protein turnover as a response to hyperglycemia-induced nerve damage.
- Insulin therapy shows potential in mitigating these molecular changes associated with diabetic neuropathy.