This study examined the ability of nitrovasodilator treatment with isosorbide dinitrate to prevent the development of reduced nerve conduction velocity and nutritive blood flow in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. Two month untreated diabetes caused approximately 23% and 13% reductions in sciatic motor and saphenous nerve sensory conduction velocity (P < 0.001). Isosorbide dinitrate treatment provided 64.6 and 67.6% protection for motor and sensory nerves, respectively (P < 0.01). Sciatic endoneurial nutritive blood flow was measured by microelectrode polarography and a hydrogen clearance technique. After 1 month untreated diabetes, flow was reduced by 41.9% (P < 0.001). Isosorbide dinitrate treatment for 1 month in non-diabetic and diabetic rats significantly increased blood flow (P < 0.01). When between-group variations in blood pressure were taken into account, vascular conductance increased by 29% and 31% in non-diabetic and diabetic rats, respectively (P < 0.01). Thus, nitrovasodilator treatment improves nerve perfusion and function in experimental diabetes, probably by compensating for reduced endothelium-derived nitric oxide release or action.