Expression of transcription factor ATF3 in sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion and in Schwann cells in sciatic nerve of diabetic (BB and Goto-Kakizaki rats; experimental models of types 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively) and healthy rats were examined by immunocytochemistry after nerve compression (silicone tube) for 3, 6 or 14 days. ATF3-stained sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells at compression site were more frequent in diabetic BB rats. Decompression of nerves in Goto-Kakizaki rats did not reduce number of ATF3-stained cells. Diabetes (BB; i.e. type 1) confers on the peripheral nerve an increased susceptibility to nerve compression indicated by an increased expression of stained ATF3 neurons and Schwann cells.