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Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the eiteology of diabetic neuropathy (DN) and anti-oxidants have shown to ameliorate this condition. Previous studies have indicated that early treatment with vitamin E acetate (VE) and methylcobalamin (MCA) attenuated surgery induced neuropathy in rats. The aim of this study was to test the effect of early co-administration of VE (50 mg/kg) and MCA (500µg/kg) (VEM) on the development of DN in laboratory rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into the three treatment groups, sham (non-diabetic, vehicle treated), diabetic rats (vehicle treated; (DU), and diabetic rats which received VEM treatment (DVEM). Diabetes was induced by single injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). Body weights of all subjects were noted daily and serum glucose levels (SGL) were measured at regular intervals. Behavioural assessment of thermal hyperalgesia (TH) was performed using the hot plate test and warm water tail immersion test. Finally, motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCV) were measured on day 45. Significant enhancements in SGL were noted for DU rats and this remained throughout the experimental span. A corresponding reduction in latency times for withdrawal from thermal stimuli was noted for DU treated rats which was not the case for DVEM group of animals. In addition to its effect on lowering pain thresholds, daily VEM treatments showed significant improvement in MNCV compared to DU treated animals. These results indicate an ameliorating effect of VEM treatment in diabetic rats. The underlying mechanisms by which VEM acts needs further evaluation.