Tanshinone IIA attenuates nerve structural and functional damage induced by nerve crush injury in rats.

Xiaomei Yang,Baoguo Jiang,Peixun Zhang,William D Phillips,Weiguang Zhang,Zhiyong Wang

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202532

Xiaomei Yang, Baoguo Jiang + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202532

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Aug 23, 2018
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Peking University, Peking University People's Hospital

Abstract

After peripheral nerve crush injury, the fibers of distal nerve segments gradually disintegrate, and axons regrow from the proximal nerve segment, eventually reaching the target organ. However, the axon regeneration is generally not sufficient for the recovery of neurological function, so drug therapy is necessary. In the current study, we explored the effect of Tanshinone IIA in nerve regeneration in a sciatic nerve crush injury model using Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were administered 45 mg/kg of Tanshinone IIA once daily. Motor behavior and tibialis anterior muscle mass were assessed, and histological analysis of the sciatic nerve and lumbar spinal cord were conducted. The results showed that the administration of Tanshinone IIA improved nerve growth and motor function, and resulted in a marked decrease of neuronal death. The findings of this exploratory study suggest that Tanshinone IIA alleviates injury and boosts regeneration after nerve crush injury in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury.

Highlights

Neural function can be partially or completely lost after injury
We examined the role of Tanshinone IIA in the sciatic nerve following crush damage to determine its effect on peripheral nerve injury, and explored its application in other aspects of nerve injury
Sciatic function index (SFI) variation in the sham group was minimal over time

Summary

Introduction

Neural function can be partially or completely lost after injury. The loss of function often results in limitations of health-related quality of life. The fibers of distal nerve segments gradually disintegrate, and the debris is eventually cleared by Schwann cells and macrophages. Axon regrowth of the proximal nerve segment is induced to regenerate into the distal endoneurial tube, and eventually reinnervate the target organs. The axon regeneration is generally not sufficient for the recovery of neurological structure or function.

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