Selective susceptibility of different populations of sympathetic neurons to diabetic neuropathy in vivo is reflected by increased vulnerability to oxidative stress in vitro.

Diabetes is the major cause of autonomic neuropathy in humans. Sympathetic neurons from the celiac/superior mesenteric ganglia (CG/SMG) develop neuropathic changes in diabetes whereas sympathetic superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons do not. Glucose-induced oxidative stress is proposed as a major factor in the development of diabetic neuropathy.