Functional effect of local administration of glial derived neurotrophic factor combined with inside-out artery graft on sciatic nerve regeneration in rat

Effect of local glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on nerve regeneration was assessed. Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 20), randomly: In transected group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In treatment group defect was bridged using an artery graft filled with 10 μL GDNF. In artery group graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In normal control group sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied in a 16-week period. Behavioral, functional, electrophysiological and gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in IOAG/GDNF than in IOAG group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in IOAG/GDNF were more positive than that in IOAG group. GDNF improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. It could be considered as an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair in practice.