Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is a general term encompassing many conditions, each characterized by peripheral nerve dysfunction in the presence of diabetes. We reviewed the diabetic animal models used to investigate the pathogenesis of neuropathy and for testing experimental treatments. The pathogenic process underlying diabetic neuropathy has been studied using a variety of in vitro models, induced in vivo models such as the streptozotocin or alloxan treated rodent, and many different genetic models representing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic animal models are differ from the clinical condition to varying degrees, so the conclusions from observations obtained in these models should be drawn with care and validated in more than one model or condition. This contribution of investigated rodent models of T1DM and T2DM for a better understanding of diabetic neuropathy could be used for the enhancement of clinical care. Though therapies are available to alleviate the symptoms but few options are available to eliminate the root causes of diabetic neuropathy. The immense physical, psychological, and economic cost of diabetic neuropathy underscore the need for causally targeted therapies. This review suggests the need of significant advances in diabetic neuropathy knowledge in future from these models leading to the development of potential therapeutic agents that should provide better outcome in diabetic patients.
