Effects of Polygala on Caudal sense nerve conduction velocity and aldose reductase activity of sciatic nerve of DPN rats

Objective To observe the effects of Polygala on caudal sense nerve conduction velocity(SNCV) and aldose reductase(AR) activity of sciatic nerve of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) rats.Methods 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups with 12 rats in each group: normal,DPN model and Polygala treatment groups.The rats in DPN model and Polygala treatment groups were established DPN animal model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin,and SNCV30 m/s was taken as standard.After the DPN rats model were successfully established,the rats in DPN model group were not given more handling,the rats in Polygala treatment group were lavaged with Polygala(2.7 g·kg-1·d-1) for 6 weeks.The blood glucose,caudal SNCV and AR activity of sciatic nerve of rats in each group were respectively detected.Results Compared with rats in normal control group,the blood glucose and AR activity of sciatic nerve of rats in DPN model group were increased obviously,caudal SNCV decreased obviously(P0.01).Compared with rats in DPN model group,the blood glucose and AR activity of sciatic nerve of rats in Polygala treatment group were decreased obviously,caudal SNCV increased obviously(P0.01).Conclusions Polygala can obviously decrease the AR activity of sciatic nerve of DPN rats and prevent descending of caudal SNCV of DPN rats.So Polygala could improve peripheral nerve injury apparently during DPN.