TOPICAL GM1 GANGLIOSIDE TO PROMOTE CRUSHED RAT SCIATIC-NERVE REGENERATION

The effects of topical GM1 ganglioside on crushed rat sciatic nerve re generation were studied in this presentation. Thirty-four rats, with 6 8 bilateral sciatic nerves, were divided into seven groups: one group of four rats for measurement of normal motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), three as controls, and another three in the GM1-treated group s. Sciatic nerves were exposed and crushed at a site 6 mm distal to th e sciatic notch by the standard technique. In this manner, 3 mm wide c rush injuries were created. Then 2.1 mu l of normal saline was injecte d into the crush site in the control groups and an equal volume of GM1 solution (containing 10 mu g GM1) was injected into the GM1-treated g roups. Electrophysiological, histological, and morphometric evaluation s were carried out at 12, 28, and 56 days, A significantly higher musc le action potential (MAP) rate was found in the GM1-treated group (70% ) vs, the controls (none) at 12 days (P < 0.005), and increased MNCV w as found in the GM1-treated groups at both 28 and 56 days, especially at 56 days, when it was 39.59 +/- 9.23 m/sec vs, 31.42 +/- 4.07 m/sec in controls (P < 0.05), Morphometrically, there were more regenerated myelinated fibers (RMFs) at 12 days, and larger diameter of RMFs were observed at 12, 28, and 56 days in the GM1-treated groups. (C) 1995 Wi ley-Liss, Inc.