Peripheral nerve injury recovery enhanced by ceftriaxone: a preclinical investigation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate ceftriaxone’s potential in enhancing peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) recovery. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Keywords

• Nerve Growth Factors
• Ceftriaxone
• Experimental Study