Recovery from peripheral nerve transection is accelerated by local application of alpha-MSH by means of microporous Accurel polypropylene tubes.
The peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), accelerates the return of sensitivity to the rat hindpaw after nerve transection. A marked reduction in the recovery time is observed when alpha-MSH is applied locally to the repair site by means of the microporous Accurel polypropylene tube delivery system. The tubes alone have a significant but smaller beneficial effect. These results have implications for the mode of action of neurotrophic melanocortins and suggest a potential means of improving the outcome of surgical nerve repair in the clinic.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D011126:Polypropylenes; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones