Local administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor enhances peripheral nerve regeneration

Aim. The ideal surgical repair technique should accomplish good wound healing with minimal scar formation and direct the nerve sprouts into their correct targets. Effect of local ciliary neurotrophic factor on nerve regeneration was assessed. Methods. Seventy-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups (N.=15): In the authograft group a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. In the sham-surgery group the sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In the transected group the left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in the adjacent muscle. In the treatment group the defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with 10 mu L ciliary neurotrophic factor. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each, and nerve fibers were studied in a 12-week period. Results. Behavioral, functional, biomechanical, electrophysiological and gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in the treatment group than in the CHIT group (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in the treatment group were more positive than in CHIT group. Conclusion. Local administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of the sciatic nerve. It could be considered as an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair in practice.