Exogenous EGF Effect on Change of Ultra-structure in Sensory Neuron Following Nerve Injury in Rat / 复旦学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Purpose　To observe exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) influence upon sensory neurons axotomy-induced and change ultra-structure of sensory.　Methods　Eighteen male Sprague-Dawely rats weighing 180-200 g(8-9 weeks of age)were randomly divided into two groups.One as control,the other was treated with EGF.Sciatic nerve injury model was set up by transecting left side sciatic nerve at 0.5 cm away from performed muscle.The proximal stump of sciatic nerve was ligated to inhibit nerve regeneration.Then 5 μl of normal saline in the control groups and an equal volume of EGF solution (containing 10 μg EGF) in the EGF treated groups were injected into the proximal of ligated nerve.The rats were sacrificed in 7,14,28 days of operative intervals respectively and transcardialy perfused with 4% para-fromaladehyde.The L5 dorsal root ganglion(DRG) were harvested.Eletromicroscope technique was used to observe the changes of L5 DRG sensory neurons axotomy-induced.　Results　A series of changes happened in the control group.The size of the nucles decreased.Nucleoplasm was scattered.The nucleolus was pale.Edema,loss of crest and matrix was found in the mitochondria. Satellite cells detached from the soma.The ultrastructure of L5 DRG sensory neurons in EGF groups get near to normal following nerve injury.　Conclusions　EGF could protect sensory neurons.