Comparing electrical stimulation and tacrolimus (FK506) to enhance treating nerve injuries.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Neuroenhancing therapies are desired because repair of nerve injuries can fail to achieve recovery. We compared two neuroenhancing therapies, electrical stimulation (ES) and systemic tacrolimus (FK506), for their capabilities to enhance regeneration in the context of a rat model.

Methods

Rats were randomized to four groups: ES 0.5 mA, ES 2.0 mA, FK506, and repair alone. All groups underwent tibial nerve transection and repair, and outcomes were assessed by using twice per week walking track analysis, cold allodynia response, relative muscle mass, and nerve histology.

Results

Electrical stimulation and FK506 groups demonstrated improved functional recovery and myelinated axon counts distal to the repair compared with repair alone. Electrical stimulation pr

SUBMITTER: Jo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7083518 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature