The effects of nerve growth factor on the changes of neurofilament in the dorsal root ganglia of diabetic rats

Objective: To observe the threapeutic effects of nerver growth factor （NGF） on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Methods: The changes of the neurofilament （NF） in the dorsal root ganglia（DRG） of diabetic rats were measured by the techniques of immunohistochemistry combing with computerized image analysis system. Results: After inducing the diabetes for three months, the mean gray levels （M.G.L.） of the positive reaction of NF in the DRG were much lower in the DM group than in the normal control group, those in the NGF group （NGF 200 μg·kg^-1·d^-1 IM.×30 d） were lower than in normal control group too, but were higher than in DM group （P＜0.01）.Conclusion: The NGF may promote the expression of the NF in sensory nerve and seems to have the beneficial effects on the recovery of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.