Abstract
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a recently identified neurotrophic factor with potential trophic effects on subpopulations of neurons. Little is known about its role in peripheral nerve regeneration following nerve injury. To investigate this, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left sciatic nerve transection and immediate repair. Fibrin glue mixed with either NT-4 or vehicle (control) was injected around the nerve repair site. Nerve regeneration was assessed both functionally and histomorphometrically. The results showed that the NT-4-treated group had a significant increase compared with the control in the regeneration distance at 5 days. The sciatic function index was significantly greater in the NT-4 group from 40 to 60 days after nerve repair. Morphometric analysis revealed that nerves treated with NT-4 had significant improvement in the number of regenerated axons, axonal diameter, and myelin thickness. These results suggest that NT-4 is a potent factor improving rat sciatic nerve regeneration.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 345-351 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fibrin glue
- Neurotrophin-4
- Peripheral nerve regeneration
- Rat sciatic nerve