Nerve compression induces activating transcription factor 3 in neurons and Schwann cells in diabetic rats.

Expression of transcription factor ATF3 in sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion and in Schwann cells in sciatic nerve of diabetic (BB and Goto-Kakizaki rats; experimental models of types 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively) and healthy rats were examined by immunocytochemistry after nerve compression (silicone tube) for 3, 6 or 14 days. ATF3-stained sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells at compression site were more frequent in diabetic BB rats. Decompression of nerves in Goto-Kakizaki rats did not reduce number of ATF3-stained cells. Diabetes (BB; i.e. type 1) confers on the peripheral nerve an increased susceptibility to nerve compression indicated by an increased expression of stained ATF3 neurons and Schwann cells.