L-CARNITINE TREATMENT IMPROVES BRAIN-STEM AUDITORY-EVOKED POTENTIALS IN DIABETIC RATS

THE effect of L-carnitine (LC) on brain stem auditory evoked potential s (BAEP), was examined in alloxan-diabetic rats. LC (200 mg kg(-1), i. p., once daily) was given to diabetic rats starting from the third wee k after the induction of diabetes, lasting for 4 weeks. Age-matched no n-diabetic rats served as controls. The latency of wave I and interpea k latency I-IV were measured once weekly. Diabetes-induced deficits in BEAP latencies (P<0.05, diabetics us non-diabetic controls) were impr oved after LC treatment (p<0.05, LC-treated diabetic rats us nondiabet ic controls). Weight and glucose levels were not influenced by LC trea tment. Our results suggest that LC has beneficial effects on diabetic central neuropathy but these effects are not associated with the regul ation of glycaemia in alloxan-diabetic rats.