title: Application of topical pharmacological agents at the site of peripheral nerve injury and methods used for evaluating the success of the regenerative process.
abstract: Traumatic injuries of the peripheral nerves are very common. Surgical repair of the damaged nerve is often complicated by scar tissue formation around the damaged nerve itself. The main objective of this study is to present the recent data from animal experimental studies where pharmacological topical agents are used at the site of peripheral nerve repair. Some of the most commonly topical agents used are tacrolimus (FK506), hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, and melatonin, whereas methylprednisolone and vitamin B12 have been used less. These studies have shown that the abovementioned substances have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties though different mechanisms. The successes of the regenerative process of the nerve repair in experimental research, using topical agents, can be evaluated using variety of methods such as morphological, electrophysiologic, and functional evaluation. However, most authors agree that despite good microsurgical repair and topical application of these substances, full regeneration and functional recovery of the nerve injured are almost never achieved.
authors.forename: Agon Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Mekaj
authors.forename: Arsim A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Morina
authors.forename: Cen I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Bytyqi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Rrethi i spitalit p,n,, Prishtina 10000, Kosovo. ymer_mekaj@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ymer H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Mekaj
authors.forename: Shkelzen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Duci
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008866:Microsurgery; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000975:Antioxidants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D008550:Melatonin; D014805:Vitamin B 12; D016559:Tacrolimus