AIM: To investigate the role of brainstem auditory evoked potential(BAEP) in the early diagnosis of diabetic central neuropathy (DCN) and to probe into the relationship between plasma nitric oxide (NO) and DCN. METHODS: Experimental diabetes(ED) rat model was used. BAEP and plasma NO were measured dynamically after ED modeling. RESULTS: The peak latency (PL) of Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and V and the interpeak latency (IPL) of I-III and III-V of BAEP in ED group prolonged after 4 weeks of ED modeling (P＜0.05). All PL and IPL of BAEP prolonged after 6 weeks、8 weeks and 10 weeks (P＜0.01). The plasma NO increased to the top in ED group at 2 weeks and then decreased gradually. There was negative correlation between plasma NO and PL and IPL of BAEP. CONCLUSION: BAEP was sensitive and valuable in the early diagnosis of DCN. Reduction of plasma NO may play a role in the pathogenesis of DCN.

AIM: To investigate the role of brainstem auditory evoked potential(BAEP) in the early diagnosis of diabetic central neuropathy (DCN) and to probe into the relationship between plasma nitric oxide (NO) and DCN. METHODS: Experimental diabetes(ED) rat model was used. BAEP and plasma NO were measured dynamically after ED modeling. RESULTS: The peak latency (PL) of Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and V and the interpeak latency (IPL) of I-III and III-V of BAEP in ED group prolonged after 4 weeks of ED modeling (P