Function,Morphology and the Expression of UDP-Galactose:Ceramide Galactosyltransferase in the Diabetic Neuropathy Rats

Purpose To observe the functional and morphological change and the expression of UDP-Galactose:Ceramide Galactosyltransferase mRNA in sciatic nerve of diabetic neuropathy rats. Methods Diabetic rat was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Nerve conduction velocity of sciatic nerve was assessed at baseline,2,4 and 8 weeks. Morphology in sciatic nerve was observed under light and electron microscope in diabetes 4 and 8 weeks,and CGT mRNA was measure by RT-PCR at same time. Results Nerve conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve was significantly reduced after 4 weeks of diabetes, abmormal ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve were also observed,but expression of CGTmRNA had no change. By 8 weeks, morphological abnormalities of the sciatic nerve under light microscope was observed, and CGTmRNA expression was increased significantly. Conclusions CGT mRNA level in sciatic nerve of diabetic neuropathy rats was increased, which was occured behind functional and morphological abnormality.