Abstract
Background: Reperfusion aggravates nerve ischemic fiber degeneration, likely by the generation
of reduced oxygen species. We therefore evaluated if racemic α-lipoic acid (LA), a
potent antioxidant, will protect peripheral nerve from reperfusion injury, using our
established model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: We used male SD rats, 300±5 g. Ischemia was produced by the ligature of each of the
supplying arteries to the sciatic-tibial nerve of the right hind-limb for predetermined
periods of time (either 3 or 5 h), followed by the release of the ligatures, resulting
in reperfusion. LA was given intraperitoneally daily for 3 days for both pre- and
post-surgery. Animals received either LA, 100 mg/kg/day, or the same volume of saline
intraperitoneally. Clinical behavioral score and electrophysiology of motor and sensory
nerves were obtained at 1 week after ischemia-reperfusion. After electrophysiological
examination, the sciatic-tibial nerve was fixed in situ and embedded in epon. We evaluated
for ischemic fiber degeneration (IFD) and edema, as we described previously. Results: Distal sensory conduction (amplitude of sensory action potential and sensory conduction
velocity (SCV) of digital nerve) was significantly improved in the 3-h ischemia group,
treated with LA (P<0.05). LA also improved IFD of the mid tibial nerve (P=0.0522). LA failed to show favorable effects if the duration of ischemia was longer
(5-h ischemia). Conclusion: These results suggest that α-lipoic acid is efficacious for moderate ischemia-reperfusion,
especially on distal sensory nerves.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 5,
1999
Received in revised form:
December 24,
1998
Received:
October 14,
1998
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
