The Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil restores normal motor nerve conduction velocity in diabetic rats by assuring the proper localization of adhesion-related molecules in myelinating Schwann cells

► Rho-kinase activity was enhanced in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats. ► Fasudil exerted beneficial effects on the delayed nerve conduction velocity. ► The enhanced Rho-kinase activity induced decrease in adhesion molecules. ► E-cadherin and p120-catenin were key adhesion molecules affected by Rho-kinase. ► Disorganized adhesion structures could relate to mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy.