The Effect of Clioquinol on Nerve Fiber Regeneration Following Nerve Crush Injury

Abstract

The effect of clioquinol on regeneration of myelinated fibers of the sural nerve in rats was studied. Clioquinol suspended in polyethylen glycol (300 mg/kg body weight/day, test) and polyethylen glycol only (control) were administered for 14 and 21 days starting 7 days before the nerve crush. The number of regenerating myelinated fibers was examined histologically at 7 and 14 days after the nerve crush. In the control and test groups the regenerating fibers reached between 0-5 mm point from the crushed point at 7 days. The regenerating fibers reached between 15-20 mm point in the control group and between 5- 10 mm point in the test group at 14 days. The rate of regeneration of myelinated fibers in test rats was significantly reduced compared with control.