Chronic nerve compression disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are common and can significantly impair daily activities due to motor and sensory dysfunctions. Currently, no systemic pharmacotherapy exists for preventing or treating disease progression. This study aims to investigate whether Neurotropin®, an established analgesic, has therapeutic effects. A chronic nerve compression model was created by wrapping a silicone tube around the sciatic nerve in C57BL/6 mice. Nerves were evaluated electrophysiologically and histologically 2 weeks post-surgery. To confirm the preventive effect on disease onset, we administered Neurotropin® subcutaneously. Additionally, continuous subcutaneous administration of Neurotropin® was started 2 weeks post-surgery, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of daily oral administration of Neurotropin®, starting 2 weeks post-surgery, were evaluated at 8 weeks. Significant decreases in nerve conduction velocity and axonal myelination were observed at 2 weeks post-injury. Neurotropin® administration initiated concurrently with model creation did not prevent disease onset at 2 weeks post-surgery. However, starting administration of Neurotropin® 2 weeks post-injury significantly improved outcomes at 8 weeks post-surgery compared to the control group, with continuous subcutaneous and daily oral administration. Neurotropin® may exhibit therapeutic effects for chronic nerve compression disorders.
Keywords: Compression; Electrophysiology; Histology; Neurotropin; Peripheral nerve injuries.
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