Study of transected sciatic nerve repair by amniotic membrane with betamethasone in adult albino wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of amniotic membrane impregnated with betamethasone on regeneration of transected sciatic nerve injury in adult albino Wister rats. Methods: In this research, 42 male adult rats were divided into six equal groups. 1) Normal (intact) group: healthy rats without any injury; 2) Control group: sciatic nerve was cut and sutured; 3) Sham group: 0.2 mL culture medium was injected on the epineurium in the injury; 4) Amniotic membrane group (AM): Acellular amniotic membrane was used around the damaged sciatic nerve; 5) Betamethasone group (B): 0.2 mL Betamethasone (4 mg/mL) was injected in the site of damaged nerve and 6) Amniotic membrane group and Betamethasone (AM/B) group: Acellular amniotic membrane impregnated with 0.2 mL betamethasone was used around the damaged sciatic nerve. The rate of recovery was studied by Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), withdrawal UH�Hlatency (WRL) test and electroctrophysiological assessments at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological assessment was done 8 weeks after surgery. Results: At 8 weeks after surgery, SFI, WRL test and electrophysiological values in AM/B group were VLJQL¿FDQWO\ improved compared to control and sham groups (P < 0.05). Histological results showed improvement in therapeutic groups, especially AM/B group compared to control and sham groups and other therapeutic groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed the positive effects of Amniotic membrane and Betamethasone on nerve regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in a rat model. © 2016, Academy of Medical Sciences of I.R. Iran. All rights reserved