A possible mechanism for increased cerebrovascular permeability in diabetic rats: effects of insulin and 2-deoxy-glucose.

1. Cerebrovascular permeability estimated as Evans blue extravasation significantly increased during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in both non-diabetic and diabetic rat groups. 2. Cerebrovascular permeability also increased significantly during 2-deoxy-glucose-induced intracellular glycopenia in both groups. 3. When a blood glucose level was fixed, cerebrovascular permeability showed no more significant change despite the hyperinsulinemic state in both groups. 4. Results suggest that hypoglycemia and/or intracellular glycopenia seems to be the major factor for increases in cerebrovascular permeability.