Publication:

Effect of gamma linolenic acid pretreatment on diabetic neuropathy in rats

Background The present study was planned to evaluate the preventive effects of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) on STZ induced diabetic neuropathyMethods: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in rats was monitored by measuring blood sugar levels, body weight, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and nociception. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 each. Group 1: control (vehicle), Group 2: STZ (50 mg/kg, i.v., single injection), Group 3: Gamma linolenic acid (50 mg/ kg, p.o., daily + STZ), Group 4: STZ + Insulin (4 units/kg, s.c., bid). Similar protocol was used for other parameters also.

Results Gamma linolenic acid pretreatment failed to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats but prevented deterioration of motor nerve conduction velocity as compared to STZ diabetic rats. A significant weight gain was observed in STZ diabetic rats pretreated with GLA as compared to rats received STZ alone. Hyperalgesia induced by STZ was antagonized by GLAConclusions: Thus gamma linolenic acid prevents the development of neuropathic changes induced by STZ in rats.