Decreased accumulation of endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor against constricting sciatic nerve ligatures in streptozotocin-diabetic and galactose-fed rats

Anterograde and retrograde trafficking of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined in streptozotocin-diabetic and galactose-fed rats by measuring accumulation of endogenous neurotrophin proximal and distal to two constricting sciatic nerve ligatures and by direct injection of radiolabeled neurotrophin into the sciatic nerve. Compared to controls, accumulation of endogenous BDNF proximal and distal to the ligatures as well as basal levels in non-ligated nerve segments were decreased in streptozotocin-diabetic and galactose-fed rats. Neither streptozotocin diabetes nor galactose intoxication affected the amount of 125I-labeled BDNF retrogradely transported to the DRG after injection into the sciatic nerve. These results suggest that reduced anterograde and retrograde accumulations of BDNF in experimental diabetes are not a result of impaired capacity for receptor-mediated transport.