Effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on bladder function in the rat.

Streptozotocin-induced (STZ, 60 mg./kg. I.

Decreased myo-inositol content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in superior cervical ganglion of STZ-diabetic rat and prevention by aldose reductase inhibition.

Decreased sciatic nerve myo-inositol content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity have been associated with slowing of motor nerve conduction in the acutely diabetic rat and have been invoked as possible pathogenic factors in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Aldose reductase inhibitors prevent these abnormalities in peripheral nerves of the streptozocin (STZ)-diabetic rat. Whether an analogous biochemical abnormality occurs in the autonomic nervous system and plays a role in the development of diabetic autonomic dysfunction is unknown.