摘要
Objective: To evaluate in vivo the effect of the recombinant human glial growth factor 2 (rhGGF 2) on the recovery of motor function of rat sciatic nerve following crush injury. Methods: Seventy three normal SD rats were randomly divided into three groups. A sham operation was performed in Group Ⅰ (n=5), and a 5 mm segment of the sciatic nerve was subjected to a 100 g crush load for 2 hours of duration in Groups Ⅱ (n=34) and Ⅲ (n=34). Group Ⅲ was treated with rhGGF 2 (1 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection after nerve crush, and then injected daily for the subsequent 4 days), and Group Ⅱ was given vehicle of the same volume. The motor functional recovery of never was assessed by calculating the sciatic functional index (SFI) and measuring the tetanic contractile strength of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of the hind limb. Results: Nerve function in Group Ⅲ began to recover at day 11 whereas the nerves in Group Ⅱ were still paralyzed after crush injury. The tetanic contractile strength of EDL was generally stronger in Group Ⅲ than that in Group Ⅱ, with a significant difference at 70 and 100 Hz stimulus frequencies from day 4 to day 14. Histological sections revealed less axonal degeneration and earlier regeneration of nerve fibers in Group Ⅲ. Conclusions: It suggests that rhGGF 2 is effective in promoting nerve regeneration and can significantly improve the functional recovery of rat sciatic nerve following crush injury.
