We tested the hypothesis that periodic systemic administration of the myoge
nic cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) enhances the functional recov
ery of regenerating skeletal muscle following bupivacaine-induced degenerat
ion. LIF had no effect on functional capacity or regenerating myofiber size
in rat muscles at 7, 14, or 21 days post-injury. The results do not suppor
t exogenous administration of LIF as a treatment for acute muscle injury, b
ut a more frequent dosing regimen should be tested. (C) 2000 John Wiley & S
ons, Inc.