Co-application of NGF and GM1 for regeneration and functional recovery of injuried sciatic nerves in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of co-application of NGF and GM on the regeneration and functional recovery of transected sciatic nerves in rats. Methods:ninety-six SD rats were randomly divided into the normal saline group,NGF group,GM1 group and NGF + GM1 group. The sciatic nerves were incised for 5 mm defect. Saline , NGF, GM1 and NGF+GM1 were injected into tube immediately at the end of the operation and injected into the muscle of injured leg once a day. The sciatic nerve function index (SFI),nerve conduction velocity (NCV),the account of the number of nerve fibers of the injured sciatic nerves and the thickness of myelin sheath were measured at the 4th, 6th,8th weeks postinjury. Results:At weeks 4 and 6, the SFI and NCV were significantly higher in NGF + GM1 group than in other groups;the number of sciatic nerve fibers and the thickness of myelin sheath were increased significantly in groups 2,3 and 4 than in group 1. In the 8th week,group 2,3 and 4 showed significant increase in the SFI, NCV,number of sciatic nerve fibers and thickness of myelin sheath compared with group 1;there were no significant differences among group 2,3 and 4. Conclusion:The GM1 can lead the NGF to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery;compared with only use of NGF or GM1,co-application of NGF and GM1 can express a better and earlier biology effect.