[The role of endoneural edema in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy].

Average endoneurial area was correlated with measurements of myelinated fiber density in sural nerves from diabetics and controls. Although, in general, myelinated fiber density decreased with increasing endoneurial area, this relationship was not significant for diabetic nerves. The increase in endoneurial area was attributed to expansion of the endoneurial space as a result of endoneurial edema. A possible role for such edema in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy is considered.