Eeffect of nerve growth factor on changes of myelin basic protein and functional repair of peripheral nerve following sciatic nerve injury in rats

Effect of nerve growth factor on changes of myelin basic protein and functional repair of peripheral nerve following sciatic nerve injury in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on changes of myelin basic protein (MBP) and functional repair of sensory and motor nerve following sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: The sciatic nerves of rats were injured by sectioning with shaver,and divided into 3 groups: NGF group (Group A), group of normal saline solution (Group B), untreated group (Group C). The time point of observation was at the 4th week after operation. Sensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) were detected by Model WD-4000 nerve potential working diagnosis system. Immunohistochemical analysis was used for identification of MBP. RESULTS: The latency of SEP in the Group A at the 4th week after operation was shorter than that in the Group B (P<0.05). The MEP was elicited in 76% of the Group A and was higher than that in the Group B. Results of immunohistochemistry showed that there were less MBP-positive cells in the Group A than in the Group B in one and four weeks respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NGF can improve the conductive function of injured peripheral nerve and facilitate regeneration of nerve.