Triamcinolone Acetonide Topical Application Of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Experimental Research

Objective:To investigate the effect of local application of triamcinolone acetonide on peripheral nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in New Zealand rabbits.Methods:Six-month-old New Zealand white rabbits (n=36) were randomly divided into 3 groups:triamcinolone acetonide group (group A), methylprednisolone group (group B) and normal saline control group (group C), likewise, according to the time of the specimen taking at 2,4,8 and 16 weeks after operation, each group was randomly subdivided into four subgroups (n=3). The tibial nerves on both sides of New Zealand rabbits were cut and sutured by end-to-end way. The sutured areas were treated with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide as group A, methylprednisolone as group B and 0.9% NaCl as group C. At 2,4,8,16 weeks after surgery, the gait, plantar ulcer healing and nerve adhesion degree were observed by naked eyes; the regenerative nerve fiber through the anastomosed site and connective tissue hyperplasia were observed by light microscope with HE staining. At postoperative 16 weeks, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), evoked potential amplitude and latent period were detected; myelinated nerve fibers in the proximal end and distal end of anastomosis were counted by light microscope and the regeneration rate of myelinated nerve fibers were calculated; humid weight of bilateral triceps muscle of the calves were measured.Results: In the triamcinolone acetonide group and methylprednisolone group, the gait ability and plantar ulcer healing status were all significantly better than those in control group, also were less likely to present in extraneurial adhesion formation;in histological examination, more regenerative nerve fiber and less connective tissue hyperplasia were observed around the anastomosed site. The nerve conduction velocity, the regeneration ratio of myelinated nerve fiber and the wet mass of triceps surae muscle in experimental groups were obviously better than those in control group (P<0.01).But there was no significant difference between group A and group B in above parameters(P>0.05). Conclusion:Local applying of triamcinolone acetonide to the anastomosed site in the repair surgery of peripheral nerve injuries can effectively prevent adhesion and promote regeneration of peripheral nerve.