[Alterations in the sorbitol pathway and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity of peripheral nerve of alloxan-induced diabetic rats].

Sorbitol pathway activity, myo-inositol content and ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-resistant ATPase activities were measured in homogenates of the sciatic nerve from alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Compared with the age-matched control, glucose, fructose and sorbitol contents of the sciatic nerve from diabetic rats for 4, 8 and 12 weeks were increased respectively to a level of 3-4 fold, 3-5 fold and 6-9 fold of those of the control rats. Myo-inositol was reduced approximately 50%. There was a significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in total ATPase, ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-resistant ATPase activities. These changes could be relevant to the development of diabetic neuropathy.