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Tissue Preparation and Immunostaining of Mouse Sensory Nerve Fibers Innervating Skin and Limb Bones
Published on: January 26, 2012
Rapid actions of insulin on sensory nerve function
C A Delaney1, K J Murchie, R A Westerman
1International Diabetes Institute, Caulfield, Vic, Australia.
Neuroreport
|October 6, 1998
Summary
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) impairs skin
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) exhibit altered cutaneous neurogenic responses.
- The acute effects of insulin on these responses are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute action of insulin on neurogenic flare in IDDM patients.
- To assess the impact of insulin on acetylcholine-induced axon reflex vasodilatation.
Main Methods:
- Iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and insulin was performed on the skin of 25 IDDM patients and 25 controls.
- Laser Doppler velocimetry measured axon reflex vasodilatation.
- Responses were compared before and after insulin iontophoresis.
Main Results:
- Axon reflex responses were significantly reduced in IDDM patients compared to controls (p<0.001).
- Insulin iontophoresis restored the reduced axon reflex responses in IDDM patients.
- Insulin iontophoresis did not affect responses in control subjects (p>0.05).
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous neurogenic flare is reduced in patients with IDDM.
- Insulin has a rapid, restorative effect on acetylcholine-induced axon reflex vasodilatation in IDDM patients.
- This suggests a direct, acute impact of insulin on cutaneous neurovascular function.
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