RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to document the effects of vitamin E and vitamin E plus corticosteroid on nerve healing in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar Albino type female rats were used in the study. The rats were divided in to three groups, each with eight rats. Group 1 was given methylprednisolone and Vitamin E, group 2 was given Vitamin E alone and group 3 was the control group. The buccal branch of the facial nerve was found under anesthesia in all rats. After nerve identification, the stimulation thresholds were assessed by Xomed Trace Nerve Integrity Monitor NIM-2. The buccal branch of each facial nerve in group 1 and 2 was traumatized by a vascular clamp for an hour. After trauma the stimulus thresholds were identified again. The nerve was not traumatized in group 3. Group 1 was given 0.1 mg/kg/day vitamin E intramuscular (i.m) and 1 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone i.m for one month, group 2 was given 0.1 mg/kg/day vitamin E i.m for one month and the control group was given 2 cc 0.09% NaCl subcutaneously every other day for one month. At the end of a month the stimulus thresholds were measured again and compared statistically. RESULTS: Mean stimulus threshold was 0.12 mA for all of the groups at the beginning of the experiment. After trauma mean stimulus threshold was 0.48 mA for the group 1 and 2. At the end of one month stimulus threshold was 0.22 mA for the group 1 and 0.33 mA for the group 2. The stimulus threshold in the control group was measured as 0.12 mA. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the vitamin E has a positive effect on nerve healing and corticosteroid enhances its effect.
