Nerve In Rats Research Articles

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor promotes regeneration of severed facial nerve in rats

Background and aimThe administration of growth and neurotrophic factors has been attempted experimentally as a new therapeutic strategy for severe facial paralysis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has an effect on the treatment of central nervous system injuries, such as cerebral infarction and spinal cord injury. This study aimed at examining the effects of G-CSF on facial nerve regeneration in rats.MethodsThe left facial nerve of rats was either partially resected (resection group) or severed and sutured (suture group) at the main trunk outside the temporal bone. In each surgical group, saline or G-CSF was administered via the gelatin hydrogel drug delivery system. The suture group was further divided into two subgroups for the late administration of G-CSF (2 weeks after surgical treatment) or immediate administration of G-CSF after surgical treatment. Recovery of the facial nerve was assessed by the evaluation of facial movements (after 12 weeks), complex muscle action potential amplitude measurements (after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks), electroneurography values (after 12 weeks), and histological evaluation (comparison of myelinated axon diameters among the groups).ResultsRecovery of the function and morphology of damaged nerves was faster in the suture groups than in the resection group. In the suture groups, recovery was faster for G-CSF-treated rats than for saline-treated rats. Furthermore, recovery was faster in the group that received G-CSF immediately after surgical treatment than in the group that received G-CSF 2 weeks later. However, the group that received G-CSF 2 weeks later also showed faster recovery than did the control group.ConclusionG-CSF effectively promoted nerve regeneration during facial nerve paralysis. Thus, G-CSF may be a potential treatment strategy for injured facial nerves as it has been safely administered in clinical treatments for hematological diseases.

Epineural Scarring Visualization and Noninvasive Quantification of a Severe Posttraumatic Complication: An Experimental Magnetic Resonance Neurography Study.

Peripheral nerve scarring is a severe yet common complication following nerve injury or surgery that can lead to impaired nerve function, including chronic pain and sensory or motor deficits. In this study, we aimed to establish high-resolution magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) to accurately visualize and monitor de novo-formed epineural fibrotic adhesions (EFAs) of the sciatic nerve in a rat nerve injury model. Employing an established model to induce overshooting EFA, the study included 3 experimental groups of animals (n = 6 each): a positive control group (PC), an intervention group (IG), and a sham group. All groups underwent surgical nerve exposure: both PC and IG received an application of 10 μL 2.5% glutaraldehyde to induce EFA, but only IG received an additional preventive wrapping of the nerve with a collagen-containing matrix. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively using a standardized protocol including T2w and T1w without and with contrast media. Motor function and nerve regeneration was assessed using the visual static sciatic index. Histological specimens were obtained 12 weeks postoperatively and correlated with imaging. On high-resolution MRN, prominently contrast-enhancing epineural sleeves were present in vivo, which corresponded to histologically confirmed EFA (ratio of EFA to nerve area MRN 1.512 ± 0.106 vs histological ratio 1.459 ± 0.208, nonsignificant). As expected, average EFA in IG (0.310 ± 0.118 mm2) was smaller than in PC (0.909 ± 0.212 mm2, P < 0.01). Also, the average EFA in sham (0.386 ± 0.030 mm2) was less pronounced than in PC (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the average EFA between IG und sham. The EFA correlated with the functional outcome, which was measured by visual static sciatic index (correlation coefficient -0.59, P < 0.05). The results of the present study for the first time confirm the clinical observation that epineural thickening on contrast-enhanced T1w imaging following manipulation to a nerve indeed corresponds to overshooting epineural scarring, which may be linked to impaired nerve function. This can be followed noninvasively in vivo over time providing an important basis for clinical decision-making in cases where further invasive therapies may be necessary.

Effect of Chronic Consumption of Fluoridated Water on Sciatic Nerve Conduction Velocity in Male Wistar Rats.

The long-term effect of fluoridated water consumption during development on the velocity of nerve impulse conduction in the sciatic nerve of rats was assessed. Thirty male Wistar rats, 21 days old, were randomly assigned to five groups. Three groups were given fluoridated water ad libitum (as the only source) at different concentrations (10, 100, and 150 ppm), designated as groups F10, F100, and F150, respectively. The study included a control group (C) that received fluoridated water at the maximum level established by the World Health Organization (1.5 ppm of fluorides) and another group that received deionized water (DW). The animals were treated until they reached 90 days of age. Electrophysiological recordings were performed on the rats' sciatic nerves to determine nerve conduction velocity, and blood plasma was extracted for fluoride concentration analysis. The study found that the F150 group had a lower nerve impulse conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve compared to the C group (P = 0.0015). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the concentration of fluorides in plasma and the nerve conduction velocity (r = -0.5132, P = 0.0037). These findings indicate that chronic consumption of high concentrations of fluoride leads to a decrease in nerve conduction velocity. This, in conjunction with potential alterations in the central nervous system, may explain the deficits in learning and memory tests that have been documented in numerous studies evaluating individuals exposed to fluoride consumption. These results provide valuable information for understanding the effects and action mechanisms of fluoride in exposed individuals.

Randomized Clinical Study of Nano-Cerium Oxide and its Efficacy in Sciatic Nerve Regeneration: A Histopathological Evaluation

Background: Peripheral nerve damage is a frequent clinical condition. peripheral nerve injuries are variable, and these injuries are mostly caused by trauma. Blunt trauma has many types, including contusion, laceration, stretching, traction, penetrating and perforating injuries, abnormal sleeping positions, external pressure, internal compression, ischemia. Cerium oxide nanoparticles are used widely in the materials field. Besides their material applications. Objective: this study was examining how cerium oxide nanoparticles impact axonal regeneration of the sciatic nerve in rats. Materials and Methods: 24 adult animals used, weighing average (M±SD: 230 ± 20 g). The animals were separated into two group. The first group (control) was left without treatment, The second group (Nano cerium Oxide) was treated orally with 50 mg of Nano cerium oxide daily for 7 days. Right Sciatic nerve was completely transected in all animals. The result evaluated at 4th, 8th and 12th weeks post-operative. Results: The histopathological results, indicated that the high effective result in the second group, then the control group. The control group has a significant nerve damage and some regenerative signs over time. While there are indications of severe damage particularly at 4 and 8 weeks, then presence of almost normal nerve fibers at 12 weeks suggests partial recovery. Conclusion: Nano Cerium Oxide accelerated the regeneration of the peripheral nerves These findings suggest that this nanoparticle could can be seen as a novel therapy for promoting the regeneration of the nervous system.

Harnessing the regenerative effects of human amniotic stem cells (hAFSCs) on restoring erectile function in a bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) injury rat model.

Intracavernous (IC) injections of stem cells has been shown to ameliorate cavernous nerve (CN)-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the regenerative effects underlying the recovery of erectile function (EF) in human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSCs) remain unclear. In the bilateral cavernous nerve crushing (BCNC) injury rat paradigm, we sought to ascertain the effects of hAFSC treatment on EF recovery during the incipient phase. Three groups of 45 male rats were used in this study: sham (Group 1), saline IC injection after BCNC (Group 2), and hAFSC intracavernous injection (ICI) after BCNC (Group 3). hAFSCs from the fourth passage showed potential to differentiate into trilineage cells. All animals were subjected to EF analysis on the 28th day post-injection and tissues were retrieved for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. IC injections of hAFSC significantly improved EF parameters in BCNC-ED rats at 28 days post-injury. AFSC treatment enhanced the smooth muscle condition and increased the smooth muscle/collagen ratio, as evidenced by histological analysis. Immunohistology revealed increased expression of 𝛼-SMA andvWf in the corpus cavernosum and enhanced expression of nNOS in the dorsal penile nerve in BCNC-ED rats (p < 0.05). Western blotting showed that hAFSC treatment significantly increased α-SMA expression in the hAFSC group compared with that in the BCNC group. Electron microscopy revealed significantly elevated myelination in the CN (p < 0.05), maintenance of smooth muscle structures, and restoration of EF in BCNC-ED rats treated with hAFSC. hAFSC treatment increased EF in BCNC-ED rats at a single dose. As BCNC-ED resembles ED caused by radical prostatectomy (RP), this therapy has high potential for ED patients after RP surgery.

Quercetin Alleviates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Regulating Axon Guidance Factors and Inhibiting the Rho/ROCK Pathway in vivo and in vitro.

The axon guidance factors and Rho/ROCK pathway play crucial roles in axon protection and nerve repair and has been implicated in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study investigates the protective effects of quercetin against DPN, focusing on axon guidance factors and Rho/ROCK pathway. DPN was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to Sprague-Dawley rats. The DPN model rats were allocated into three groups and administered quercetin at two different doses (30 mg/kg/day and 60 mg/kg/day) or a placebo. Concurrently, healthy rats were divided into two groups and administered either a placebo or quercetin (60 mg/kg/day). Administration was initiated 8weeks post-STZ injection and continued for a duration of six weeks. To assess quercetin's neuroprotective effects, biochemical analyses, neurological function tests (mechanical threshold, thermal response latency, motor nerve conduction velocity), and morphological assessments via transmission electron microscopy were conducted. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical assays were performed on sciatic nerve tissue and high glucose-induced RSC96 rat Schwann cells to explore quercetin's pharmacological effects on DPN. Quercetin exhibited neuroprotective effects on both DPN rats and RSC96 cells exposed to high-glucose. A six-week administration of quercetin at both doses significantly improved the peripheral neurological functions and alleviated the pathological changes in sciatic nerve of DPN rats (P<0.05). Mechanistically, quercetin markedly upregulated the expressions of axonal growth factors, Slit-2 and Netrin-1 in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05), while inhibiting the aberrant activation of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in the sciatic nerve of DPN rats. Our findings suggest that quercetin improves DPN through a novel mechanism, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for DPN therapy.

Peptide stimulation effect on organotypic culture development of neuroendocrine tissues

Introduction. One of the actual task of modern biology and medicine. Is the creation of bioregulator preparation, which can stimulate the neuroendocrine system of organism. Purpose of study. Study of effect of polypeptide complex from brain cortex (PPCbc) and from pancreas (PPCp) of calfs on the cellular proliferation in organotypic culture of nerve and endocrine of young and old rats. Methods. The adequate method of organotypic tissue culture of tissue from young and old rats was used for quick biologically activity of peptides screening. Results. The square index (SI) of nerve and endocrine tissues explants were increased statistically reliable, as compared to the control, also in young and old rats, under the polypeptides complexes effect. Conclusion. The data obtained produce the base for working and quick testing of preparations for treatment of patients with pathology in brain cortex and endocrine tissues

A Feasible Method for Vein Puncture and Drug Administration in Rats: Ultrasound-guided Internal Jugular Vein Puncture

ObjectiveIn the majority of animal experiments, vein puncture is necessary for the drugs administration. This study aimed to propose a new vein puncture method, ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) puncture, and compare it with the traditional tail vein puncture. MethodsWe divided 24 male SpragueDawley rats randomly into 2 groups: 12 rats in the tail vein puncture group and other 12 rats in the ultrasound-guided IJV puncture group. After successful puncture, rats from two groups were injected with 0.1 mL ultrasound contrast agents. The average puncture time, the success rate of the first puncture, and the imaging effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the sciatic nerve and liver parenchyma of rats after injecting ultrasound contrast agents were evaluated using time–intensity curves for both different puncture methods. ResultsThe average puncture time of the ultrasound-guided IJV group was lower than that of the tail vein puncture group (p = 0.013), and the success rate of the first puncture was significantly higher than that of the tail vein puncture group (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in the imaging effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound on the sciatic nerve and liver parenchyma between the two different puncture methods. Additionally, neither of the two puncture methods resulted in obvious symptoms such as hematoma formation, convulsions, restlessness or even death in rats. ConclusionsUltrasound-guided IJV puncture could be a safe, effective method with a high success rate for rat vein puncture and drug administration, which could be an alternative to rat tail vein puncture.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates neural degeneration probably by reducing oxidative stress and aldose reductase expression.

We investigated the potential role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats. A single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was applied to the rats for the diabetic rat models. Sodium bisulfide (50 μmol/kg/d) was injected intraperitoneally daily for 2 weeks as H2S treatment. Electromyogram, haematoxylin eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were then performed. H2S treatment did not affect body weights, blood glucose levels or liver function of diabetic rats, while the creatine levels of the H2S-treated diabetic rats decreased compared with the diabetic control rats. H2S treatment for 2 weeks did not affect the sciatic nerve conduction velocity of the diabetic rats. However, H2S treatment relieved neurons loss and cell atrophy of dorsal root ganglion, and axon degeneration of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats. Serum super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels and SOD2 levels in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats were lower than the non-diabetic rats but were restored after H2S treatment. Serum and sciatic nerve homogenate malondialdehyde and aldose reductase expression were higher in diabetic rats but decreased significantly after H2S treatment. Our study revealed that H2S alleviates neural degeneration in diabetic rats probably by reducing oxidative stress and downregulating aldose reductase expression.

Regenerative potentials of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes or its combination with zinc in recovery of degenerated circumvallate papilla following surgical bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve in rats

BackgroundTaste buds’ innervation is necessary to sustain their cell turnover, differentiated taste buds and nerve fibers in circumvallate papilla (CVP) disappear following glossopharyngeal nerve transection. Normally, taste buds recover to baseline number in about 70 days. Bone marrow stem cell (BM-MSC) derived exosomes or their combination with Zinc chloride are used to assess their potential to speed up the regeneration process of CVP following bilateral deafferentation.MethodsTwenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups; Group I: subjected to sham operation followed by IP injection of saline. The other experimental groups (II, III and IV) were subjected to surgical bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve. Group II received single IP injection of saline. Group III received single IV injection of BM-MSC-derived exosomes (100 µg). Group IV received single IV injection of BM-MSC-derived exosomes and single IP injection of zinc chloride (5 mg/kg). After 28 days, CVP was dissected and prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis, RT-PCR for cytokeratin 8 gene expression, ELISA to assess protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, redox state analysis of malondialdehyde and glutathione content, followed by statistical analysis.ResultsHistopathologically, group II exhibited great tissue damage with marked reduction in taste buds and signs of degeneration in the remaining ones. Group III was close to control group with marked improvement in taste buds’ number and structure. Group IV showed inferior results when compared to group III, with many immature taste buds and signs of degeneration. Statistical results showed that groups I and III have significantly higher values than groups II and IV regarding taste buds’ number, cytokeratin 8, and reduced glutathione. However, malondialdehyde demonstrated high significant values in group IV compared to groups I and III. Regarding brain-derived neurotrophic factor, group III had significantly higher values than group II.ConclusionBM-MSC-derived exosomes have superior regenerative potentials in acceleration of CVP and nerve healing following bilateral transection of glossopharyngeal nerve in contrary to its combination with zinc chloride.Graphical

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Substituted Nanohydroxyapatite: Rejuvenating Bone-Nerve Crosstalk with Electrical Cues in a Fragility Fracture Rat Model under Hyperglycemia.

Diabetes has currently acquired the status of epidemic worldwide, and among its various pathological consequences like retinopathy and nephropathy, bone fragility fractures from diabetic osteopathy occurs in later stages and is equally destructive. Chronic hyperglycemia culminates into deteriorating microvasculature and quality of bone, making it prone to fractures. Among these, hip fractures are most common, especially in older diabetic patients apart from underlying neuropathy. Our study is an attempt to ameliorate hip fragility fracture and nerve trauma with electrical stimulation as an interface in a chronic diabetic rat model. We have fabricated reduced graphene oxide-substituted hydroxyapatite as an electroactive bone substitute and incorporated it into chitosan gelatin cryogels. The in situ reduction of graphene oxide during sintering of hydroxyapatite imparts higher potential to the fabricated composite in dealing with problem at question. The cryogels depicted optimum in vitro biocompatibility and enhanced mineralization after ectopic subcutaneous implantation in rats. The therapeutic potency of composite cryogels was evaluated in a hip fracture model with compression to the sciatic nerve in diabetic rats, mimicking the severe clinical trauma. The presence of cryogels in the femoral neck canal coupled with electrical stimulation and biochemical factors significantly improved bone regeneration in diabetic rats as depicted with microcomputed tomography analysis and histology images. The application of electrical stimulation also ameliorated the nerve trauma observed with 70% improvement in electrophysiological parameters such as the compound muscle action potential with combinatorial therapy. We therefore report the successful implication of a multitarget therapy in a chronic diabetic rat model unraveling the bone-nerve crosstalk with electroactive smart cryogels.

Identification of peripheral nerve functional fascicles in Sprague-Dawley rats by the carbon quantum dot-Annexin V antibody complex

To explore a method to identify the sensory and motor fascicles of the peripheral nerve to achieve accurate peripheral nerve functional fascicle suture. The peripheral nerve Sunderland V injury model, muscle branch of the femoral nerve and saphenous nerve were established in the bilateral femoral nerves of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The specific samples were grouped as follows: the main trunk of the femoral nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut with microscopic scissors in the main trunk of the femoral nerve to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury in the mixed fascicle of peripheral nerves; the muscle branch of the femoral nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut in the middle section of the muscle branch of the femoral nerve to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury in the motor fascicle of peripheral nerves; the saphenous nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut at 1 cm below the patella to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury to the sensory fascicle of the peripheral nerves. A carbon quantum dot (CD)-annexin V antibody complex was prepared and applied to the distal and proximal nerve stumps of the peripheral nerve Sunderland V injury model groups of SD rats. Under the excitation light source of a 380 nm uv lamp, fluorescence color development was observed under a fluorescence microscope after 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. At 5 min, sections of the bilateral femoral nerve trunk, muscular branches of the femoral nerve, and Sunderland V lesion of the saphenous nerve in SD rats were only dark in color under the microscope, and there was no difference in fluorescence. The intensity of the staining increased significantly for 10–20 min. The sensory fascicles and saphenous nerves of the femoral nerve trunk showed blue fluorescence under the CD-Annexin V antibody complex staining, while the motor fascicles and muscle branches of the femoral nerve trunk showed no fluorescence. Fluorescence intensity gradually decreased after 20 min of staining. There was no significant difference in the staining intensity at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min in each group. Our results suggest that the CD-Annexin antibody complex can be used to identify functional fascicles of peripheral nerves in SD rats.

Unraveling Neurotoxicity Discrepancies: Comparative In vitro and In vivo Analysis of Colistin and Polymyxin B and the Underlying Mechanisms.

Polymyxins, including colistin and polymyxin B, are the final resort against Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, its clinical application is restricted due to concerns related to neurotoxicity. Despite the similar antibacterial spectrum and mode of action shared between colistin and polymyxin B, there is still a lack of definitive evidence to support the idea that their neurotoxicity profiles are identical. To comprehensively compare the neurotoxicity between colistin and polymyxin B both in vivo and in vitro and establish a theoretical foundation to guide the rational use of polymyxins within clinical settings. in vitro experiments simulated nerve damage by exposing N2a and RSC96 cells to colistin and polymyxin B. The evaluation of nerve injury included assessments of cell viability and apoptosis. To discern the variance in the mechanisms of nerve injury between colistin and polymyxin B, oxidative stress levels were examined, such as SOD, CAT, GSH, and malondialdehyde (MDA). In in vivo experiments, a rat nerve injury model was created by intraventricular injections of colistin and polymyxin B, respectively. The impact of these drugs on brain injury in rats, particularly within the hippocampus and medulla oblongata, was measured using HE and Nissl staining. The potential influence of polymyxins on the ferroptosis pathway was evaluated by assessing LPO and Fe2+ levels and the degree of mitochondrial impairment. At equivalent doses, colistin demonstrated a reduced level of neurotoxicity compared to polymyxin B, both in vitro and in vivo. in vitro experiments revealed greater cell viability and a lower apoptosis rate after colistin treatment than after polymyxin B treatment. This variance in outcomes could be attributed to the comparatively lower levels of oxidative stress associated with colistin administration.In a rat model, nerve injury resulted in observable damage to both the hippocampus and the medulla oblongata. A comprehensive assessment of the extent of damage in the CA1 to CA4 regions of the hippocampus, and the solitary tract nucleus of the medulla oblongata underscored that the neurotoxic effects of colistin remained milder compared to those elicited by polymyxin B. Even when evaluated at equivalent multiples of clinically recommended doses, colistin exhibited lower neurotoxicity in vivo than polymyxin B. For the first time, this study demonstrated the role of ferroptosis in polymyxin B-induced nerve damage. The activation levels observed within the ferroptosis pathway due to polymyxin B exceeded those triggered by colistin. Colistin exhibited a marked reduction in neurotoxicity compared to polymyxin B, evident in both the equivalent and clinically recommended doses. These findings suggest that, from the perspective of neurotoxicity, colistin presents a more favorable option for clinical use.

Study on the Neuroprotective Mechanism of Salidroside Modified with Polydopamine Nanoparticles in Regulating Notch Pathway by Inhibiting Mir-155 in Stroke Rats

Background and Purpose Stroke threatens neurological function. Salidroside is widely used to treat neurological diseases such as stroke. Previous studies have shown that miR-155 plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of stroke and that the Notch pathway plays an important role in nervous system development and regeneration. Methods PDA NPs-SAL complex was prepared, a stroke rat model was constructed, and the cerebral infarction area of rats was measured. Analyze the changes of PDA NPs-SAL on rat brain tissue and evaluate the neuroprotective effect. Detect the changes in miR-155 and Notch pathway-related proteins in stroke rat models to further understand the role of miR-155 and Notch pathway in the pathogenesis of stroke and their relationship. Results Salidroside had certain protective effects on the nerves of stroke rats, and the effect of PDA NPs-SAL was more prominent. At the same time, PDA NPs-SAL promotes the Notch pathway by inhibiting miR-155, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect on stroke rats. Conclusion Under the intervention of PDA NPs-SAL, the neurological function scores of rats were reduced, and the effect of PDA NPs-SAL was more significant. In addition, PDA NPs-SAL inhibited miR-155 and activated the Notch pathway, thereby reducing the water content of rat brain tissue and cerebral infarction area, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect on stroke rats.

Alhagi maurorum Ethanolic Extract can halt potential topiramate neurotoxicity on sciatic nerve of adult male albino rats

Alhagi maurorum Ethanolic Extract can halt potential topiramate neurotoxicity on sciatic nerve of adult male albino rats

Cimifugin Alleviates Chronic Constriction Injury of the Sciatic Nerve by Suppressing Inflammatory Response and Schwann Cell Apoptosis.

Inflammation and Schwann cell apoptosis play critical roles in neuropathic pain after sciatic nerve injury. This study aimed to explore the function and mechanism of cimifugin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat Schwann cells and sciatic nerves of rats treated with chronic constriction injury (CCI). Thermal, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia of rats in response to cimifugin or mecobalamin (the positive drug control) treatment were evaluated through behavioral tests. H&E staining of sciatic nerves was performed for pathological observation. ELISA was conducted to assess concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in rat serum and sciatic nerves. The intensity of S100β in sciatic nerves was determined using immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted for detection of Schwann cell apoptosis. RT-qPCR was performed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory factors in Schwann cells. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect cellular p65/NF-κB activity. Western blotting was performed to quantify protein levels of apoptotic markers and factors associated with the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in rat nerves and Schwann cells. As shown by experimental data, cimifugin mitigated thermal, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia of CCI rats. Cimifugin repressed inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels while increasing anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) level in serum or sciatic nerves of CCI rats. Cimifugin enhanced S100β expression and downregulated apoptotic markers in vivo. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties of cimifugin were verified in the LPS-stimulated Schwann cells. Moreover, cimifugin suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB in vitro and repressed the phosphorylation of IκB, p65 NF-κB, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, as well as JNK in CCI rats. In conclusion, cimifugin alleviates neuropathic pain after sciatica by suppressing inflammatory response and Schwann cell apoptosis via inactivation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Nigella sativa oil on chronic constrictive injury (CCI) induced neuropathic pain of sciatic nerve in Wistar rats

Background: Various adverse effects have been reported with conventional treatments of neuropathic pain. Nigella sativa (N. sativa), a medicinal herb, has been shown to possess several beneficiary effects. Objective: To assess the effects of N. sativa oil on neuropathic pain and ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) in Wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 120 Wistar rats (200±50gm). On the basis of treatments, all rats were grouped into Group I [normal control (NC) normal saline (NS) 5 ml/kg]; Group II [sham control (SC) {sham surgery + NS}], Group III [CCI control (CCIC) {Chronic constriction injury to sciatic nerve (CCI) + NS}]; Group IV [N. sativa oil experimental (NSOexp) {CCI + N.sativa (400 mg/kg)}], Group V [Glibenclamide experimental (Gliexp) {CCI + N. sativa (400 mg/kg) + glibenclamide (15 mg/kg)}] groups. Both the NSO and NS were administered orally once daily for consecutive 21 days and single dose of glibenclamide was given intraperitoneally on the day of experiment, to the respective rats. Then on the basis of neuropathic pain evaluation tests, all the groups were subdivided into ‘a’ [for sciatic functional index (SFI) in walking track analysis], ‘b’ [for tail flick latency (TFL) in cold tail immersion test], ‘c’ [for paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in von Frey test], and ‘d’ (for rection time in hot plate test). The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: In this study, significantly (pd”0.001) higher SFI, TFL, PWT and reaction time were found in NSO exp rats when compared to those of CCIC rats. In addition, there were significant (pd”0.001) differences in the above-mentioned variables between rats of NSO exp group and Gliexp group. Conclusion: From the present study it might be concluded that, N. sativa prevents worsening of neuropathic pain in Wistar rats by blocking KATP channel. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2023;18(1): 35-45

Electroacupuncture alleviates sciatic nerve injury and inhibits autophagy in rats.

Sciatic nerve injury is a common form of peripheral nerve injury (PNI). It has been suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at GB30 and ST36 can improve nerve dysfunction post-PNI. Autophagy is an important factor in the regeneration of sciatic nerves and recovery of motor function. Therefore, we investigated the biological effects of EA and examined whether these were mediated by autophagy in sciatic nerve injury. Mechanical clamping of the sciatic nerve in Sprague-Dawley rats was performed to establish an experimental model of sciatic nerve injury. EA stimulation was administered once daily for 15 min for seven consecutive days beginning 1 week after successful modeling. The recovery of sciatic nerve function was examined via the sciatic functional index (SFI) test. Morphometric analysis was conducted by staining nerve samples with toluidine blue. Autophagy-associated protein levels were measured via Western blotting. EA stimulation at GB30 and ST36 significantly increased the number of myelinated fibers, axonal and fiber diameters, and the thickness of the myelin sheath in our rat model of sciatic nerve injury. In addition, EA stimulation greatly facilitated nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury. Moreover, sciatic nerve injury-induced autophagy was inhibited by EA stimulation. EA facilitates recovery of injured sciatic nerves and inhibits autophagy in a rat model.

Artichoke leaf hydroethanolic extract reduces neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury via attenuating the sciatic nerve oxidative stress

Neuropathic pain, a nerve damage consequence, presents symptoms such as dysesthesia, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating potential of artichoke leaf extract in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male rats. The hydroethanolic extract of artichoke leaf was administered via gavage at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioural tests were conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 post-surgeries. Only the dose of 800 mg/kg significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia from day 14 and mechanical allodynia from day 7, and the other doses did not affect behaviours. Biochemical analysis showed that artichoke extract decreased lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPx) in the sciatic nerve tissue. In conclusion, artichoke leaf extract administration diminishes neuropathic pain-related behaviours by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in the rats’ sciatic nerve.

Identification of spread after deliberate intraneural injection in five mammalian species

IntroductionThis research endeavors to investigate the phenomenon of intraneural spread across distinct locations: subcircumneurium, extrafascicular intraneural, intrafascicular intraneural, and intraperineurium after deliberate intraneural injections across five mammalian species. The study...