Effects of hepatocyte growth factors on contractile function of disused gastrocnemius atrophy in rats / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the possible effects of hepatocyte growth factors (HGF) on prevention and therapy of disused gastrocnemius atrophy in rats by observing their effects on the wet weight and contractile function of the gastrocnemius of fixed hind limbs. Methods Twenty-four Wister male rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a contrast group and an experimental group. Their right hind limbs were fixed for four weeks with plastic piaster from metatarsus to 1 cm up the knee. Their knee joint was fixed in 100?flexion and their ankle joint in 60?plantar flexion. Rats in the contrast group were injected with 0. 2 mL of normal saline, and rats in the ex- perimental group were injected with HGF (10 mg/kg, 10 mg/mL). Their whole gastrocnemius of the right hind limb was dissected four weeks later to measure its contractile function and wet weight. Results Compared with the blank group, single maximal contraction, maximal tetanus, and wet weight of the gastrocnemius in the contrast and experimental groups decreased significantly (P＜0. 05), and fields of electric stimulation also decreased signifi- cantly (P＜0. 05). Compared with the contrast group, single maximal contraction, maximal tetanus, and wet weight of the gastrocnemius in the experimental group were significantly superior (P＜0.05), and fields of electric stimulation significantly increased. Conclusion Since after a local injection of HGF, the contractile function and wet weight can be significantly increased, HGF may have a preventive effect on disused atrophy.