Abstract
Immune system augmentation, using the antigen glatiramer acetate (GA), which is known
to affect cellular immunity, has been shown to have a positive effect on peripheral
nerve regeneration. We aimed to compare the effect of GA on the regeneration of crushed
versus transected nerves. Wild-type rats underwent crush or transection and repair
of the sciatic nerve. They were examined 3 weeks postinjury histologically (axon count)
and functionally (tibialis anterior muscle weight and footprint analysis). GA was
found to augment regeneration both histologically and functionally. In the transected
nerve, a significant increase in axon count distal to the injury site was seen in
the GA group versus control. A similar yet statistically insignificant trend was found
in the crushed nerve. Improvement was found in the footprint analysis between the
GA and control groups in both crush and transected nerve groups. We found improvement
in the footprint analysis in the crush versus transection group. GA was found to improve
the regeneration of the peripheral nerve. Histologically, this was more pronounced
in the transection injury. The discrepancy between the different functional measures
examined may be explained by the distance of the reinnervated muscles evaluated from
the injury site.
Keywords
nerve regeneration - peripheral nerve - sciatic nerve - neuroprotection - Glatiramer
Acetate
