Lithium Decreases Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats by Inhibiting of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Degradation

One of the most frequent complications of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Hyperglycemia would result in the advancement of this condition over a period of time. The most effective way in preventing diabetic neuropathy is regular control of glucose. In this study; we evaluated the effects of lithium onstreptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats. Diabetic neuropathy was created 7 weeks after administration of STZ (45 mg/kg). Lithium was added to drinking water (450 mg/l) for 7 weeks and its plasma level after this period of time was 0.17±0.02 mmol/l. Levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, oxidative stress parameters, open-field activity test and morphological analysis were assessed in this investigation. Currentresults showed significant elevation of oxidative stress biomarkers, reduction of ATP, abnormal morphology of DRG neurons and decrease of total distance moved in rats with STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy. The alterations in mentioned parameters were considerably restored by lithium treatment. These findings provide evidence for protective effects of lithium on STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy.