Effects of agmatine sulphate on facial nerve injuries

J Laryngol Otol. 2017 Mar;131(3):221-226. doi: 10.1017/S0022215117000147. Epub 2017 Jan 26.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of agmatine sulphate on facial nerve regeneration after facial nerve injury using electron and light microscopy.

Methods: The study was performed on 30 male Wistar albino rats split into: a control group, a sham-treated group, a study control group, an anastomosis group, and an anastomosis plus agmatine sulphate treatment group. The mandibular branch of the facial nerve was dissected, and a piece was removed for histological and electron microscopic examination.

Results: Regeneration was better in the anastomosis group than in the study control group. However, the best regeneration findings were seen in the agmatine sulphate treatment group. There was a significant difference between the agmatine group and the others in terms of median axon numbers (p < 0.004) and diameters (p < 0.004).

Conclusion: Agmatine sulphate treatment with anastomosis in traumatic facial paralysis may enhance nerve regeneration.

Keywords: Agmatine; Facial Nerve; Nerve Regeneration.

MeSH terms

  • Agmatine / pharmacology*
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Animals
  • Facial Nerve / drug effects
  • Facial Nerve / physiopathology
  • Facial Nerve / surgery
  • Facial Nerve Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Facial Nerve Injuries / physiopathology
  • Facial Nerve Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Nerve Regeneration / drug effects*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sulfates / pharmacology

Substances

  • Sulfates
  • Agmatine