Impaired Neurogenic Vascular Response in Patients with Diabetes and Neuropathic Foot Lesions

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Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy plays an important part in the development of foot complications in patients with diabetes. We studied the contribution of impairment of the dual sensory and inflammatory function of unmyelinated nociceptive C fibers in the foot complications of diabetes. The integrity of these fibers was assessed objectively by measuring axon reflex vasodilatation in response to stimulation with 10 percent acetylcholine introduced by electrophoresis. This was related to the non-neurogenic capacity of the vessels to dilate in response to a mechanical stroke. These measurements were made on the soles of the subjects' feet.