Diabetic neuropathy

Newsletter # 50



Animal models

NEUROFIT proposes a Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetic neuropathy in rats that mimics the neurological complication observed in humans.
Since the model shows similar manifestations as the clinical diabetic neuropathy, it has proved to be relevant to demonstrate the translation ability of experimental treatments to the human setting:

- Painful diabetic neuropathy characterized by small nerve fibers alteration
- Reduced nerve conduction and loss of sensation as a result of skin denervation

Within a few days, hyperglycemia develops in this model and this is followed by allodynia and hyperalgesia symptoms allowing the evaluation of painkillers and neuroprotectants. After this first painful phase, severe loss of intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENF) in the skin on the hind paw and a reduction of nerve conduction velocity similar to that observed in humans are observed.




  • Painful neuropathy in diabetic rats

  • Hyperalgesia (paw pressure)

  • Skin denervation in diabetic rats

  • Transverse section of skin

  • Loss of intra-epidermal nerve fibers


NEUROFIT offers a range of validated in vitro and in vivo screening tests for psychiatry and neurology.

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