Satya Mallu

Effects of nandrolone on recovery after neurotization of chronically denervated muscle in a rat model.

OBJECT Suboptimal recovery following repair of major peripheral nerves has been partially attributed to denervation atrophy. Administration of anabolic steroids in conjunction with neurotization may improve functional recovery of chronically denervated muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of nandrolone on muscle recovery following prolonged denervation in a rat model. METHODS Eight groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats (15 rats per group, 120 in all) were divided into 3- or 6-month denervated hind limb and sham surgery groups and, then, nandrolone treatment groups and sham treatment groups. Evaluation of treatment effects included nerve conduction, force of contraction, comparative morphology, histology (of muscle fibers), protein electrophoresis (for muscle fiber grouping), and immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS Although a positive trend was noted, neither reinnervated nor normal muscle showed a statistically significant increase in peak muscle force following nandrolone treatment. Indirect measures, including muscle mass (weight and diameter), muscle cell size, muscle fiber type, and satellite cell counts, all failed to support significant anabolic effect. CONCLUSIONS There does not seem to be a functional benefit from nandrolone treatment following reinnervation of either mild or moderately atrophic muscle (related to prolonged denervation) in a rodent model.

Does partial muscle reinnervation preserve future re-innervation potential?

Late revision nerve surgery for incomplete motor recovery due to partial reinnervation would improve muscle function if all muscle fibers were protected from developing denervation atrophy.

Neurotrophic effects of perfluorocarbon emulsion gel: a pilot study

Background Positive neurotrophic effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be more easily achieved by applying a Perflourocarbon (PFC) emulsion gel to the repair site. PFCs are halogen substituted carbon oils with unique oxygen transport potentials that are capable of increasing oxygen availability in local tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of a PFC emulsion to a repaired nerve would improve recovery. Materials and methods The left tibial nerve of 21 immature female Sprague-Dawley rats was transected, immediately repaired, and then circumferentially coated with PFC gel (Group A, n = 7), PFC-less gel (Group B, n = 7), or nothing (suture only, Group C, n = 7). At eight weeks post surgery, electrophysiological testing and histological and morphological analysis was performed. Results No statistically significant differences between experimental groups were found for muscle size and weight, axon counts, or nerve conduction velocity. Group A had a significantly smaller G-ratio than Groups B and C (p < .0001). Conclusion Overall results do not indicate a functional benefit associated with application of a PFC emulsion gel to rodent tibial nerve repairs. A positive effect on myelination was seen.