Introduction: In this investigation we evaluated the effects of treadmill training on mechanical sensitivity and sural nerve morphology in diabetic rats.
Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups: control (C); diabetic (D); and trained diabetic (TD). Training was performed for 8 weeks. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Sural nerve analysis included fiber area, diameter, density of myelinated fibers, area occupied by connective tissue, myelin sheath thickness, and g-ratio.
Results: Animals in the D group had a reduced mechanical sensitivity threshold. Morphometric study showed that the D group had a smaller myelinated fiber area and diameter, higher density of fibers and area occupied by connective tissue, thinner myelin sheath, and higher g-ratio. The D group had a higher percentage of small myelinated fibers and a lower percentage of large-diameter myelinated fibers than the C and TD groups.
Conclusion: Training prevents functional and morphological abnormalities in the sural nerve caused by diabetes.
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