The synergetic effects of nerve growth factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor on the recovery of electrophysiological function in peripheral nerve regeneration

Objective To explore the synergistic effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) and ciliary neurotro-phic factor (CNTF) on the recovery of electrophysiologicai function in peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) with the new cabin model for PNR. Methods Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats had a 10 mm gap in their sciatic nerves, bridged with a new double channel nerve conduit in fusiform shape. They were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12): group A (200 μl of chitin) , group B (100 μl of chitin and 5 μl of NGF or NGF and CNTF) and group C ( 100 μl of chitin and 5 μl of CNTF or NGF and CNTF). The morphological and pathological changes in any regenerated nerves were observed at 8 and 12 weeks after the operation. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) , cortical somatosensory evoked potential (CSEP) and conductive velocity (CV) were observed as well. Results There was no significant difference of morphology or pathological function between the two sides in group A. The regenerative fibres were welldistributed and arrayed more regularly than those in the control, while the latency of CMAP and CSEP was shorter and the amplitude was higher (P0.05). Conclusion NGF and CNTF might have synergistic effects on the recovery of electrophysiologicai function in peripheral nerve regeneration.