The aim of this study was to evaluate fosinopril-induced changes in hemodynamic parameters and tactile allodynia in a rat model of diabetes. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg, i.p.) in male Wistar rats. STZ produced hyperglycemia, weight loss, polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria as well as long-term arterial hypotension, bradycardia, and tactile allodynia at 10-12 weeks. Daily administration of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, fosinopril (25 mg/kg, p.o., for 11 weeks) partially reduced the loss of body weight, decreased hyperglycemia, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic rats. Likewise, systemic administration of fosinopril prevented the development and maintenance of tactile allodynia in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These data suggest that fosinopril may have a role in the pharmacotherapy of diabetic neuropathic pain.
Keywords: allodynia; diabetic neuropathy; fosinopril; streptozotocin.
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