Axonal regeneration stimulated by erythropoietin: An experimental study in rats

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience methods Vol. 164; no. 1; pp. 107 - 115
• Main Authors: Lykissas, Marios G., Sakellariou, Ekaterini, Vekris, Marios D., Kontogeorgakos, Vasilios A., Batistatou, Anna K., Mitsionis, Gregory I., Beris, Alexandros E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15-08-2007
• Subjects: Animals; Collateral sprouting; Denervation - adverse effects; End-to-side neurorrhaphy; Erythropoietin; Erythropoietin - pharmacology; Erythropoietin - therapeutic use; Ganglia, Spinal - drug effects; Ganglia, Spinal - metabolism; Ganglia, Spinal - physiopathology; Growth Cones - drug effects; Growth Cones - physiology; Male; Motor Neurons - drug effects; Motor Neurons - metabolism; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; Muscle, Skeletal - pathology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Nerve Growth Factors - pharmacology; Nerve Growth Factors - therapeutic use; Nerve regeneration; Nerve Regeneration - drug effects; Nerve Regeneration - physiology; Neurons, Afferent - drug effects; Neurons, Afferent - metabolism; Neurosurgical Procedures - methods; Organ Size; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peripheral Nerves - drug effects; Peripheral Nerves - surgery; Peroneal Nerve - drug effects; Peroneal Nerve - injuries; Peroneal Nerve - surgery; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Recovery of Function - drug effects; Recovery of Function - physiology; Tibial Nerve - drug effects; Tibial Nerve - injuries; Tibial Nerve - surgery; Treatment Outcome; Withholding Treatment; Erythropoietin; Collateral sprouting; Nerve regeneration; End-to-side neurorrhaphy
• ISSN: 0165-0270; 1872-678X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.04.008

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of erythropoietin to the collateral sprouting by using systemically delivered erythropoietin in an end-to-side nerve repair model. Forty-five rats were evaluated in four groups: (A) end-to-side neurorrhaphy only, (B) end-to-side neurorrhaphy and erythropoietin administration, (C) end-to-end neurorrhaphy and (D) nerve stumps buried into neighboring muscles. In all animals, the contralateral healthy side served as control. Functional assessment of nerve regeneration was performed at intervals up to 5 months using the Peroneal Function Index. Evaluation 150 days after surgery included peroneal and tibial nerve morphometric examination, and wet weights of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the first three weeks after surgery, when erythropoietin was regularly administered, functional evaluation showed that erythropoietin may facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration. However, there was rapid deterioration in the functional recovery when erythropoietin's administration was discontinued. As a consequence, at the end of this study, erythropoietin failed to maintain its initial stimulating effect in axonal regeneration. The results of wet muscle weights revealed statistically significant differences between Groups A and C, and Group B. Furthermore, data on axonal counting showed significant difference between Groups A and C, and Group B. Erythropoietin appears to facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration at the initial phase of its administration. Further investigation will be necessary to optimise the conditions (dose, mode of administration) in order to maintain its effects.