[A study on histochemistry and electron microscopy of corneal nerves in experimental diabetic rabbits].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes of corneal nerves in diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbits was used as the experimental model. Histochemical techniques and electron microscopy were applied to examine the corneal nerves.

RESULTS

In the diabetic rabbits, from 6 weeks, the density of nerve plexus became markedly sparser, the fibers thinner and the activity of nerves lower than those of the control group. Ultrastructural changes showed swelling of axons, irregular distribution of fibril and degeneration of mitochondria of varying degree; with the progress of disease the above changes became more marked gradually.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal corneal nerve changes might be a pathologic basis for the reduction in corneal sensitivity in diabetes.