Anabolic Steroid Reversal of Denervation Atrophy
Abstract
Motor recovery following repair of major peripheral nerve injuries is often suboptimal and does not restore adequate functionality. The explanation for these poor results is multi-factorial but certainly denervation atrophy plays a significant role. Anabolic steroids, which have been shown to cause hypertrophy of muscle fibers, increase net protein synthesis, and increase satellite cell activity, may offer a novel therapeutic approach to improving muscle recovery following reinnervation of chronically denervated muscle. This hypothesis was tested in a rat model consisting of 8 groups (n=15) made up of three or six month denervated hind limb groups, steroid treatment groups, and sham groups. Evaluation included nerve conduction testing, force contraction measurements, comparative morphology, histology, protein electrophoresis, and immunohistochemical evaluation. Results revealed trends towards increased mass and force production in the steroid treated group (with three months denervation time) but no statistical difference in the three or six month denervation with steroid treatment groups. Fiber types shifted towards increased amounts of IIa fiber types with denervation (with this effect augmented in the three month group with steroid treatment) though there was no shift from type I to II fibers. There was no effect of either steroid or denervation on the ratio of satellite cells to muscle fibers. In conclusion, there did not seem to be a functional benefit for anabolic steroid treatment following reversal of prolonged denervation atrophy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA562447
Entities
People
- Jonathan E. Isaacs
Organizations
- Virginia Commonwealth University