Effect of sufentanil on expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in nerve tissues after peripheral nerve injury in mice

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of sufentanil on the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in nerve tissues after peripheral nerve injury in mice. Methods One hundred pathogen-free healthy male Balb/c mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were divided into 4 groups(n=25 each)using a random number table: peripherial nerve injury group(group PNI), high dose sufentanil group(group H), medium dose sufentanil group(group M)and low dose sufentanil group(group L). The model of unilateral sciatic nerve transaction was established in ketamine-anesthetized mice.Sufentanil 10.0, 5.0 and 2.5 μg/kg were intraperitoneally injected immediately after establishment of the model once a day for 3 consecutive days in H, M and L groups, respectively.The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group PNI.On 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after establishment of the model, 5 mice were sacrificed and the nerve tissues were obtained from the site 0.5 cm up and down the lesion site of the nerve for examination of the shape of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers(with an electronic microscope). The expression of bFGF in the sciatic nerve tissue was detected by Western blot. Results The shape of medulla sheath was irregular, the thickness of myelin lamellae was thin, the separation of myelin lamellae was aggravate, demyelinate was found, and the proliferation of Schwann cells was not marked in group PNI.The shape of medulla sheath was regular, the thickness of myelin lamellae was dense, and the proliferation of Schwann cells was marked in group H. The shape of medulla sheath was irregular, the separation of myelin lamellae was observed, demyelinate was found, and the proliferation of Schwann cells was not marked in group L. Compared with group PNI, the expression of bFGF was significantly up-regulated in H, M and L groups(P<0.05). Compared with group L, the expression of bFGF was significantly up-regulated in H and M groups(P<0.05). Compared with group M, the expression of bFGF was significantly up-regulated in group H(P<0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which sufentanil improves regeneration and repair after peripheral nerve injury may be related to up-regulating the expression of bFGF in nerve tissues of mice. Key words: Sufentanil; Fibroblast growth factor 2; Peripheral nerve; Nerve regeneration