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J Reconstr Microsurg 2001; 17(1): 051-058
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-12689
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Growth Factor May Decrease Muscle Atrophy Secondary to Denervation

Charles S. Day1 , Felix Riano2 , Matthew M. Tomaino1 , Boonsin Buranatanitkit3 , George Somogyi4 , Dean Sotereanos1 , Johnny Huard2
  • 1Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Growth and Development Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Children's Hospital, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
  • 3Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songhkla University, Haadyai, Songkhla, Thailand
  • 4Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Despite modern microsurgical techniques, functional outcomes following brachial-plexus reconstruction and peripheral-nerve repair are usually unsatisfactory, because irreversible muscle atrophy develops before reinnervation occurs. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been shown to improve muscle regeneration after injury, and may have a role in muscle preservation following denervation. This study evaluated the histologic, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiologic differences between normal and denervated muscle over an 8-week time period, and also evaluated the effects of injecting IGF-1 into denervated muscle. Denervated mice gastrocnemius muscles demonstrated a decrease in muscle diameter, a decrease in muscle weight, early nuclear proliferation, and a decrease in fast twitch and maximum tetanic strength, compared to normal gastrocnemius muscle up to 8 weeks following denervation. Four weeks after denervated muscle was injected with IGF-1 at time zero, however, relative preservation of muscle diameter and weight, and maintenance of electrophysiologic contractile properties were observed. These preliminary data suggest that IGF-1 may prevent muscle atrophy secondary to denervation.

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