Aim
Goshajinkigan (GJG) improves hyperesthesia and hypoesthesia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NO in the vasodilatory effect of GJG in peripheral capillaries to clarify the mechanism related to DPN symptom improvement.
Methods
GJG was orally administered to non‐diabetic and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic male mice. Auricular venule and arteriole diameters were measured by video capillaroscopy. The mice were pretreated with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) to assess NO involvement.
Results
GJG increased venule and arteriole diameters in both non‐diabetic and diabetic mice. L‐NAME pretreatment inhibited GJG‐induced increases in capillary diameter.
Conclusion
The direct vasodilatory effect of GJG in peripheral arterioles and venules involved increased NO production.
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