Protective Effect of Melatonin on Neuropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.
- Author:
Myeong Ok KIM
1
;
Han Young JUNG
;
Kyung Woo PAIK
;
Jun Ki LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Melatonin;
Streptozotocin-induced polyneuropathy;
Rat;
Conduction velocity;
Diabetes mellitus
- MeSH:
Action Potentials;
Animals;
Diabetes Mellitus;
Diabetic Neuropathies;
Humans;
Melatonin*;
Neural Conduction;
Polyneuropathies;
Rats*;
Streptozocin;
Tail
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
1999;23(3):449-454
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to prove protective action of melatonin on the development of neuropathy in diabetic rat. METHOD: The experimental rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into 3 groups: Group 1, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with trial of melatonin; Group 2, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats without trial of melatonin; Group 3, normal control. Streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally in group 1 and 2. Melatonin was administered per orally in group 1 from 1 week after the injection of streptozotocin. The melatonin effect on diabetic neuropathy was evaluated by the measurement of conduction velocities and amplitudes of rat tail mixed nerve action potentials. The electrophysiologic examinations were performed before and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after administration of streptozotocin. RESULTS: The rat tail mixed nerve conduction velocities were decreased at 4 weeks in group 1 and 2, and showed significant improvement at 6 weeks in group 1 as compared with those of group 2 (p<0.05). The amplitudes of the compound nerve action potentials did not show difference before and after streptozotocin and melatonin trials, neither among groups. CONCLUSION: In this experimental study, we observed the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the progression of polyneuropathy in early stage of diabetic rat. For the clinical application to human beings, further study is required.
