Effect of Local and Systemic Dimethylsulfoxide on Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Controlled Randomized Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction

We investigated the possible beneficial effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on peripheral nerve repair in rats. Methods: Seventy rats were divided into four groups: control, sham, DMSO-L, and DMSO-IP. Except in the control group, nerve repair was done at the right sciatic nerve. DMSO was administered locally and intraperitoneally for 12 weeks to the DMSO-L and DMSO-IP groups, respectively. No therapeutic agent was administered to the other groups. Nerve regeneration was assessed by behavioral, electrophysiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical tests. Results: With the exception of S-100 protein expression, all results indicate that DMSO has a beneficial effect on peripheral nerve regeneration. Functional nerve recovery was notably more evident in the DMSO-L than in the DMSO-IP group. Under macroscopic examination, nerve scores of the regeneration area in the DMSO-L group was also better than in the others. Discussion: We believe that DMSO can improve peripheral nerve regeneration in rats.

Keywords:

• dimethylsulfoxide
• DMSO
• peripheral nerve injury
• neurotmesis
• nerve
• muscle

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None for Elif Sanli, Gungor Cagdas Dincel and Ebru Umay. The authors have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Scientific Research Project Fund of our university.