Protective effects of lisinopril on peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) lisinopril on experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in the earlier stage and its mechanism. Methods Diabetes was induced by streptozotosin (STZ) in rats. After 8 weeks of treatment, the effects of lisinopril on function and structure of peripheral nerves were observed; superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, Na+K+-ATPase activity in sciatic nerve and NO, NO synthase levels in plasma were determined, and capillary density of sciatic nerve were also assessed. Results With lisinopril, nerve structure and function was improved, oxidative stress state was ameliorated, and NO level, Na+K+-ATPase activity and capillary density of endoneurium were increased (all P<0.05). Conclusion ACEIs are effective in DPN. The possible mechanisms may be related to the amelioration of ischemic state and related metabolic disorders of the nerves.