Impaired Expression of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Gracile Nucleus Is Involved in Neuropathic Changes in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats with and without 2,5-Hexanedione Intoxication.

•We report selective impairment of nNOS expression in the gracile nucleus in ZDF rats.•nNOS expression is up-regulated in the gracile nucleus by 2,5-HD intoxication in rats.•2,5-HD-induced nNOS expression in the gracile nucleus is attenuated in ZDF rats.•We examine functional neuropathic changes in the rats with and without intoxication.•Impaired gracile nNOS levels is involved in neuropathic pathophysiology in ZDF rats.