Neurotrophin-4 delivered by fibrin glue promotes peripheral nerve regeneration.
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a recently identified neurotrophic factor with potential trophic effects on subpopulations of neurons. Little is known about its role in peripheral nerve regeneration following nerve injury. To investigate this, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left sciatic nerve transection and immediate repair. Fibrin glue mixed with either NT-4 or vehicle (control) was injected around the nerve repair site. Nerve regeneration was assessed both functionally and histomorphometrically. The results showed that the NT-4-treated group had a significant increase compared with the control in the regeneration distance at 5 days. The sciatic function index was significantly greater in the NT-4 group from 40 to 60 days after nerve repair. Morphometric analysis revealed that nerves treated with NT-4 had significant improvement in the number of regenerated axons, axonal diameter, and myelin thickness. These results suggest that NT-4 is a potent factor improving rat sciatic nerve regeneration.
Yin
Q
Q
Department of Musculoskeletal Science, University of Liverpool, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK. q.yin@liv.ac.uk
Kemp
G J
GJ
Yu
L G
LG
Wagstaff
S C
SC
Frostick
S P
SP
D000818:Animals; D019771:Axotomy; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C073922:neurotrophin 4