Peripheral nerve lesions: the neuropharmacological outlook.
A review is presented of compounds with trophic effects on the peripheral nervous system. A distinction should be made between three types of effect: enhancement of neurone survival, stimulation of regeneration and induction or stimulation of collateral sprouting. On the basis of data currently available, laminin and insulin-like growth factor I are the most promising substances for regeneration of peripheral nerve lesions. Future investigations of laminin should provide an answer to the query whether local administration facilitates sprouts to cross the gap between proximal and distal nerve stumps. Further experiments are required on effects of systemic administration of IGF-I in animal models of peripheral nerve lesions before investigations can be initiated in man.
Kerkhoff
H
H
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Jennekens
F G
FG
D000818:Animals; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins