The effect of enkephalin degrading enzymes inhibitor RB 101 on functional recovery of injured sciatic nerve of the rat

Abstract

The effect of the systemically active inhibitor of enkephalin degrading enzymes (RB 101) on functional recovery of the rat sciatic nerve after transection and microsurgical suture was examined. Using the method of registration of compound action potentials (CAPs), the dose-dependent effect of RB 101 on regenerative processes in the nerve had been revealed. Both stimulating (at 100 μ g/kg and 1 mg/kg) and inhibitory (at 10 mg/kg) effects of RB 101 on the growth of regenerating nerve fibers were found after 20 days of surgical procedure. The role of opioids in the regulation of regenerative processes in peripheral nerves is discussed.