Nerve Conduction Changes in Experimental Diabetes*

Abstract

Diabetes was induced in rats by alloxan injection or pancreatectomy. Less than 1 week after the onset of the diabetes the maximal conduction velocity of the peripheral nerves started to diminish. The reduction amounted to about 30% of the original conduction velocity in both sensory and motor fibers. Autonomic fibers from the vagus were not affected. Alloxan treatment alone without the production of diabetes did not affect the nerve conduction. Insulin treatment of the rats was ineffective in preventing the development of the conduction defect even when the diabetes was under control from the onset.