title: Effects of streptomycin on the rat infraorbital nerve.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has been reported that streptomycin can have anti-neuralgic effects. However, the mode of action is unknown. This article was intended to investigate eventual neurolytic effects of streptomycin on peripheral nerves when applied topically.
  
  
  METHODS
  The rat infraorbital nerve, used as the experimental model, was treated with 0.01 ml of streptomycin sulphate dissolved either in distilled water or in lidocaine via an infraorbital perineural injection. Saline was used in control animals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cross-sections of the nerve, a week following treatment with streptomycin, revealed damaged axons with disintegration of both heavily and thinly myelinated fibres. Signs of regeneration were detected from the fourth postoperative week on. In control rats no damage was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Streptomycin can cause peripheral nerve damage when injected perineurally. These morphological changes may be responsible for anti-neuralgic effects of streptomycin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Stomatology, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. zstajcic@eunet.yu
authors.forename: Zoran
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Stajcić
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saulacić
authors.forename: Slobodan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dozić
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009915:Orbit / Q000294:innervation; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013307:Streptomycin / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013307:Streptomycin