The effect of neurotrophic pyrimidine heterocyclic compounds, MS-818 and MS-430, on the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves

The effects of pyrimidine heterocyclic compounds (MS-818 and MS-430) on ner ve regeneration were evaluated using the cut-and-suture model of the right sciatic nerve of Wistar rats. After surgery, 1 or 5 mg/kg/day of MS-818 or MS-430 was intraperitoneally administered for 21 days. Control rats receive d the same surgery, but were administered saline instead of a drug. Each we ek from week 2, evoked muscle action potentials were recorded on the calf m uscle to compare the ratio of latency and amplitude between the experimenta l and non-treated side. The specimens were taken from the tibial nerve for light microscopic observation; and the diameter, density and % axon area of myelinated axons were evaluated. The results of EMG and histology suggest that administration of MS-818 is more effective than that of MS-430 and tha t administration of 5 mg/kg/day has a higher promoting effect than that of 1mg/kg/day for sprouting and elongation of the severed nerve. These new neu rotrophic pyrimidine compounds may be a group of possible substances effect ive in facilitating nerve regeneration.