Effect of Zhouluotong on rat's sciatic nerve function and polyol pathway with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

AIM:To investigate the effects of Zhouluotong (Radix Astragali, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Rchmannia, Herba Asari, etc.) on nerve function and polyol pathway in streptozotocin diabetic rats. METHODS: Streptozotocin diabetic rats were administrated with Zhouluotong for 8 weeks. Effects of drugs on sciatic never morphological alterations, sciatic never conduction velocity, aldose reductase activity, Na +,K + ATPase activity and sciatic nerve polyol contents were determined. RESULTS: Compared with diabetic group, sciatic never morphological alterations was improved, sciatic never conduction velocity was increased, aldose reductase activity was depressed and Na +,K + ATPase activity was increased in each administrated group. Sorbitol and gloucose contents were decreased in Zhouluotong groups. CONCLUSION: Zhouluotong could improve metabolism and function of peripheral nerve issue in streptozotocin diabetic rats. As a result of that, it could prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin diabetic rats.