Tumor necrosis factor-α elevates neurite outgrowth through an NF-κB-dependent pathway in cultured adult sensory neurons: Diminished expression in diabetes may contribute to sensory neuropathy

► TNFα and other cytokines were diminished in lumbar DRG from diabetic animals. ► TNFα elevated neurite outgrowth from cultured adult DRG neurons. ► TNFα directed neurite outgrowth was diminished from diabetic neurons. ► NF-κB pathway was activated by TNFα. ► Blockade of NF-κB inhibited TNFα-induced neurite outgrowth.