Neural and endothelial control of the microcirculation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Changes in cutaneous blood flow are seen relatively early in the course of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and are characterized by endothelial and neural but not smooth muscle dysfunction. The presence of significant C-fiber impairment in both diabetic groups, together with significantly greater dysfunction in endothelium-dependent vasodilation in type 2 diabetics, suggests that the endothelial function and nitric oxide may play a greater role in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.