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.
Highlights
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is composed of the cranial nerves, which project from the brain and pass through foramina in the scull, and the spinal nerves, which project from the spinal cord and pass through intervertebral foramina of the vertebrae [1]
It is essential for clinicians to have an understanding of basic anatomy of PNS in order to classify and subsequently treat a nerve injury
We presented some of the most commonly used pharmacological agents in animal models
Summary
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is composed of the cranial nerves, which project from the brain and pass through foramina (openings) in the scull, and the spinal nerves, which project from the spinal cord and pass through intervertebral foramina of the vertebrae [1]. Several studies have shown that the most frequently applied topical substances are tacrolimus (FK506), hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, melatonin, and methylprednisolone These substances contribute to fibroblast proliferation suppression at the site of the peripheral nerve repair reducing scar formation in the injured peripheral nerve. Neurological studies with the peripheral nerve injuries involved and integrated approach using sensor and motor nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), as well as motor- and sensory-evoked potentials in some instances, as helpful adjuncts to the clinical assessment [57] These tests are commonly used in clinical practice and can be performed in animal models to determine the nature of the disorders and their severity. For evaluation of the footprints, three different parameters are used: print length (PL), toe spread (TS), and intermediary toe spread (ITS) [69]
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