Fibroblast growth factor‐2 enhances functional recovery of reinnervated muscle

Abstract

Long-term denervation of muscles results in fibrosis and fat replacement, which prevent muscles from regaining contractile function despite reinnervation. Therefore, prevention of muscle atrophy between nerve repair and muscle reinnervation may improve the functional outcome. A variety of growth factors play significant roles in muscle mass modulation and muscle regeneration. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and nerve growth factor (NGF) on muscle mass modulation after denervation and reinnervation using a nerve-to-muscle neurotization model. Growth factors were injected into the anterior tibial muscle after direct neurotization of muscles every 7 days up to 4 weeks after surgery. FGF2 significantly increased the amplitude of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), wet muscle weight, and the number of motor endplates, especially at higher concentration, compared to the vehicle. In contrast, NGF did not increase either the amplitude of CMAPs or muscle weight, although it significantly increased the number of motor endplates. These findings indicate that both growth factors enhance reinnervation of muscles; however, only FGF2 is involved in muscle mass modulation.

C3 peptide enhances recovery from spinal cord injury by improved regenerative growth of descending fiber tracts

“…These could include the lack of use and subsequent muscle atrophy. As known from studies in rat, denervation of tibial muscles can result in a remarkable reduction of motor-endplate counts (of up to 90%) without further treatment (Iwata et al, 2006). In our spinal-cordinjury models the hind-limb muscles were not denervated by peripheral nerve lesion but experienced reduced activation by activity-deprived motoneurons.…”

Fibroblast growth factor 2‐stimulated proliferation is lower in muscle precursor cells from old rats

“…The functionally associated outcome of increased FGF2 stimulation is muscle growth. In skeletal muscle, FGF2 is expressed at a high level during muscle regeneration (Anderson et al 1995), and FGF2 injection has been shown to improve recovery in reinnervated (Iwata et al 2006) and dystrophic muscle (Lefaucheur & Sebille, 1995 a ). Neutralizing antibodies to FGF2 attenuate skeletal muscle repair (Lefaucheur & Sebille, 1995 b ).…”

Nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor promote reinnervation by nerve−muscle−endplate grafting

“…As reported, intramuscular injections of both neurotrophic factors at these concentrations resulted in better functional recovery. 33 Finally, the NMEG was implanted into the SM muscle defect and sutured with 426 10-0 nylon microsutures ( Fig. 1J).…”

“…15,[17][18][19][20][21] As reported, administration of NGF enhances nerve regeneration and motor recovery. 13,14,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] FGF-2 is a potent factor that promotes axonal growth, 16,17,[29][30][31] increases the number of proliferating Schwann cells and regenerating axons 17,32 and MEPs, 33 and enhances functional recovery. 33 The neurotrophic factors can be administered locally by direct injection into the target nerve 34 or muscle 33 or by using a surgically implanted osmotic pump for growth factor delivery, [35][36][37] according to nerve injury and repair models.…”