Neurotrophic factors may be used to improve the growth and repair of injured peripheral nerves. In this study we determined the effectiveness of recombinant human growth hormone on peripheral nerve injury in the Wistar rat. The ulnar nerve of the rat was sectioned and its proximal and distal ends were sutured to either end of a silastic tube, with the aim of encouraging regeneration through the tube. 32 ulnar nerve specimens were randomized into two groups: 18 nerves regenerating under the influence of recombinant growth hormone, and 14 nerves regenerating in its absence. The study was performed over a period of 8 weeks and progression of regeneration was assessed with regular surface electroneurography every 1-2 weeks after surgery. In the group receiving recombinant growth hormone, it comprised a significant improvement in the recovery of conduction velocity, and a more gradual increase in the amplitude of motor potential from the fifth week onwards was observed. Histological analysis of study specimens in the recombinant hormone group revealed an improved architecture of the regenerating nerve, a greater density of nerve fibers, and increased myelination with a lesser degree of endoneural fibrosis. Our work demonstrates the positive effect of the administration of recombinant human growth hormone in obtaining significantly improved conduction velocities, and a greater improvement in nerve regeneration from the fifth week of monitoring when compared to the control group. Histological analysis in the group receiving hormone showed acceptable degree of myelination with little granulation tissue and fibrosis.
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