[Effect of FK506 on axonal regeneration of rat sciatic nerve in regeneration chamber: an experimental study].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of FK506 on expediting nerve regeneration of rat Sciatic Nerve in regeneration chamber and to look for a proper way of its administration to treat peripheral nerve injuries.


METHODS
Sixty adult male SD rats which were randamizely divided into 3 groups received a neurotomy to bilateral sciatic nerves, then we reconnected the broken nerves with silicon tube to make regeneration chambers. The regeneration chambers were filled with either normal saline (group A and group B) or 1 microg/ml FK506 (group C). The rats of group B also received daily injection of FK506 (1 mg/kg) at the back of the neck for 14 days. Local immunoreaction, weight of fresh gastrocnemius muscles, histological changes and electrophysiology were observed at designate time after neurotomy.


RESULTS
At 6 weeks postoperation the extent of local lymphocytes infiltration in group B and C were less than that in group A, all results in group B were much better than that of group A. Results of group C were better than that of group A without significance.


CONCLUSIONS
(1) Systemic administration of FK506 (1 mg/kg) showed neuroprotective and neurotrophic effect, which can facilitate nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery. (2) Local administration of FK506 (1 microg/ml) showed some extent of neuroprotective effect at early period of nerve injury, but the neurotrophic function is uncertain and still needs to be studied further.
Lü
De-cheng
DC
Department of Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
Yuan
Xian-hou
XH
Zhang
Wei-guo
WG
Fu
Chong-yang
CY
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus