Protective effect of chitin on neurons in early stage after sciatic nerve injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of chitin on spinal cord neurons and functional recovery in the early stage after sciatic nerve axotomy Methods Upon silicone tubulization of transected sciatic nerve in the adult rats, either 0 9% saline or 1% chitin solution was injected into the silicone chamber The status of motor neuron death in lateral nucleus of spinal cord anterior horn was observed with Nissl staining 7, 14 and 30 d after sciatic nerve transection, and the changes in activity of acid phosphatase in spinal cord was observed with enzyme histochemistry The recovery of sciatic function was observed by sciatic function index in 10, 20 and 30 d respectively after sciatic nerve transection Results ① Chitin decreased lesion induced motor neuron death in lateral nucleus of spinal cord anterior horn by the percentage of 6 31%, 6 26% and 10 15% respectively 7, 14 and 30 d after sciatic nerve transection ② Chitin decreased the change in activity of acid phosphatase in spinal corn by the percentage of 46%, 57% and 87% respectively 7, 14 and 30 d after sciatic nerve transection ③ Chitin promoted the functional recovery by 1 44%, 2 52% and 5 69% respectively in 10, 20 and 30 d after sciatic nerve transection Conclusion These results suggest that chitin is capable of protecting motor neurons from death induced by peripheral nerve injury and promoting recovery of injured nerve.