Efficacy of nerve growth factor in regeneration of the mandibular nerve: a preliminary report.
An experimental study evaluating the potential utility of nerve growth factor (NGF) on sensory nerve regeneration was conducted in a rabbit mandibular nerve model. In 10 animals, bilateral 7-mm nerve gaps were created and repaired with the placement of 10-mm Silastic (American Scientific Products, McGaw Park, IL) conduits into which NGF (left side) and a control solution (cytochrome C, right side) was instilled. After 90 days, the nerve repairs were removed and the two sides compared by clinical appearance, and histologic and electrophysiologic assessment. The conduits instilled with control solution failed to result in nerve regeneration in any of the animals. The conduits with NGF solution, however, consistently displayed neural connections between the proximal and distal ends with the presence of slowed, but recordable, conduction velocities. The axonal numbers in the NGF repairs were significantly less than those of the normal nerve, but when adjusted for fascicular size, the axonal densities were comparable. In addition, osteoid tissue was observed around many of the NGF-induced nerve regenerates, but not on the control solution side, suggesting a possible influence of this protein on bone formation.
Eppley
B L
BL
Plastic Surgery Section, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202-5200.
Snyders
R V
RV
Winkelmann
T M
TM
Roufa
D G
DG
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors