[The influence on nerve regeneration by the beta2-receptor agonist clenbuterol].
OBJECTIVE
Clenbuterol has shown a neuroprotective action in the central nervous system by induction of growth factors after cellular damage. Additionally, the atrophy of sceletal muscle is attenuated by the application of Clenbuterol after denervation. This experiment was performed to show the influence of Clenbuterol on regeneration of peripheral nerves. MEHOD AND MATERIAL: In a rat model, the sciatic nerve was transected and microsurgically coaptated. Eight animals in each group received a daily oral dosage of 100 microg/kg bodyweight during four, respectively six weeks. Two control groups received only drinking water under the otherwise same protocol. The assessment was done histologically, morphometrically and clinically. The weight ratio of the soleus and extensor digitorum muscles of the operated to the contralateral side was measured.


RESULTS
The groups treated with Clenbuterol showed histologically and morphometrically a significantly increased axon count and a better g-ratio. The muscle weight ratio was significantly higher in the Clenbuterol group after six weeks and more animals in this group were able to spread their toes.


CONCLUSIONS
The oral application of Clenbuterol in a rodent model shows a positive influence on nerve regeneration.
Frerichs
O
O
Klinik für Plastische, Wiederherstellungs- und Handchirurgie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Germany. Onno.Frerichs@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Fansa
H
H
Ziems
P
P
Keilhoff
G
G
Schneider
W
W
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002976:Clenbuterol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008866:Microsurgery; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D002976:Clenbuterol
Die Beeinflussung der Regeneration peripherer Nerven durch den beta2-Rezeptor-Agonisten Clenbuterol.