Recovery after delayed nerve repair: influence of a pharmacologic adjunct in a primate model.

Inhibition of calpains in skeletal muscle by the tripeptide, leupeptin, after median-nerve transection in the mid-forearm and a delayed nerve repair of 3-weeks duration, was studied in a primate (Cebus apella) model. Results indicated that leupeptin facilitates axon regrowth and neuromuscular recovery after delayed nerve repair. Toxicologic testing showed that leupeptin, administered at 18 mg/kg intramuscularly, twice daily for 24 weeks after delayed nerve repair, did not adversely affect hematology, clotting, blood chemistry, or echocardiogram profiles. These data indicate that leupeptin is an effective and safe adjunct to delayed nerve repair.