Peripheral nerve injury recovery enhanced by ceftriaxone: a preclinical investigation

TL;DR

Ceftriaxone improves recovery from peripheral nerve injuries in rats by promoting nerve regeneration and functional improvement.

Contribution

This study demonstrates ceftriaxone's novel potential in enhancing recovery from peripheral nerve injuries.

Findings

Ceftriaxone improved functional recovery and nerve regeneration in injured rats.

Ceftriaxone increased NGF expression and axon counts compared to the vehicle group.

Ceftriaxone treatment was associated with increased fibrosis in injured nerves.

Abstract

To evaluate ceftriaxone’s potential in enhancing peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) recovery.

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into control (no surgery), vehicle (sciatic nerve injury + 0.9% NaCl), and ceftriaxone (sciatic nerve injury + 50 mg/kg/day ceftriaxone) groups. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Functional recovery was assessed using inclined plane tests and electromyography. Sciatic nerve regeneration was evaluated via histology, nerve growth factor (NGF) immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Compared to the control group, inclined plane test scores, nerve action potentials, NGF expression, axon counts, and diameters were diminished in both injury groups (p 0.001). However, these parameters were significantly improved in the ceftriaxone group compared to the vehicle group (p 0.001). Increased fibrosis was observed in the ceftriaxone group.

Ceftriaxone demonstrates potential as a pharmacological agent for PNI recovery by enhancing nerve regeneration and functional outcomes. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms.

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