Combined application of nerve growth factor and ciliary neurotrofic factor to treat sciatic nerve injuries

Objective To investigate the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and ciliary neurotrofic factor (CNTF) on the regeneration and functional recovery of sciatic nerves following sciatic nerve injuries (SNI). Methods The left sciatic nerves for 6 mm in 120 Wistar ratswere removed and divided randomly into 4 groups. Target muscular injection of NGF at concentration of 100 ng/kg and CNTF at 100 ng/kg was given to Group NGF+CNTF; CNTF at 100 ng/kg to Group CNTF; NGF at 100 ng/kg to Group NGF and equal quantity of normal saline to Group NS. Sciatic nerve functional index (SFI) measurement, morphometric analysis, S-100α and NF200 immunohistochemistry were performed for all the animals after operation. Results SFI, diameter and number of myelinated axons, and axonal quantity of S-100α and NF200 were significantly higher in Group NGF+CNTF than that in other groups. Conclusions Combined application of NGF and CNTF can enhance regeneration and functional recovery of sciatic nerves posterior to SNI.