Anti-TNF-alpha reduces the inflammatory reaction associated with cuff electrode implantation around the sciatic nerve.
Extraneural cuff electrodes have been extensively used to investigate the nervous system. Their implantation is, however, associated with epineurial fibrosis, fiber loss, limited reproducibility of recordings and variability in stimulating conditions. It has recently been shown that TNF-alpha is involved in nerve alterations after electrode implantation. This study investigated whether a peri-operative anti-TNF-alpha treatment could modify the inflammation and fibrosis associated with cuff electrode implantation. Morphometrical and immunohistochemical methods were used to show that a single systemic injection of TNF-alpha neutralizing antibodies is sufficient to reduce the early inflammatory events, but not the long lasting fibrotic reaction.
Vince
Valérie
V
Laboratoire de Morphologie Expérimentale, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier,52, P.O. BOX UCL-52.29, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Brelen
Mårten E
ME
Delbeke
Jean
J
Colin
Ides M
IM
D000818:Animals; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects; D005355:Fibrosis; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology*
D007106:Immune Sera; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; C508962:Tgfb1 protein, rat; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha