Effects of FKBP-12 ligands following tibial nerve injury in rats

The neuroregenerative properties of FK506, an FKBP-12 ligand that inhibits calcineurin, and V-10,367, an FKBP-12 ligand that does not inhibit calcineu rin, were evaluated in crush and transection models. Rats were randomly ass igned to one of seven groups, including untreated controls and FK506- or V- 10,367-treated experimental groups. Following crush or transection nerve in jury, animals were assessed with walking tracks, and histomorphometry FK506 -treated animals demonstrated significant functional recovery 11 days follo wing crush and 18 days following transection injury. In untreated and V-10, 367 treated animals, nerves recovered 13 days following crush injury, but d id not improve significantly prior to sacrifice at 28 days in animals susta ining a transection injury. No statistically significant differences in his tomorphometric parameters were identified between any of the groups, The st udy confirms that FK506 accelerates recovery from tibial nerve injury.