Basic fibroblast growth factor combined with biodegradable hydrogel promotes healing of facial nerve after compression injury: an experimental study.

Abstract

CONCLUSION:

Topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) hydrogel facilitates faster healing from traumatic facial paralysis due to continuous release of bFGF.

OBJECTIVES:

bFGF is considered a potent agent to facilitate recovery from neuronal damage; however, exogenously applied bFGF does not work well because of its short acting time. To enhance the effects in vivo, we developed a new drug delivery system by embedding bFGF in a gelatin hydrogel that degrades slowly. In this study, the effects of bFGF-hydrogel on traumatic facial nerve paralysis were investigated in guinea pigs.

METHODS:

The intratemporal facial nerve was exposed and clamped at the vertical portion using micro needle forceps. The animals were then subjected to one of the following three procedures: group A, no further treatment; group B, one-shot application of bFGF to the nerve; and group C, application of bFGF-hydrogel instead. Six weeks later, facial nerve functions were evaluated by three test batteries: observation of facial movements, electrophysiological testing, and histological study.

RESULTS:

The results for groups A and B were similar in the three tests, indicating that one-shot application of bFGF did not benefit facial nerve recovery. In contrast, group C achieved better results in all tests.

• Authors: Hayato Komobuchi, Naohito Hato, Masato Teraoka, Hiroyuki Wakisaka, Hirotaka Takahashi, Kiyofumi Gyo, Yasuhiko Tabata, Masaya Yamamoto
• Journal: Acta oto-laryngologica (Acta Otolaryngol) Vol. 130 Issue 1 Pg. 173-8 ( 2010) ISSN: 1651-2251 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19680989 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrogels
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2

Topics

• Animals
• Facial Nerve (drug effects, pathology, physiopathology)
• Facial Nerve Injuries (drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology)
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (administration & dosage)
• Guinea Pigs
• Hydrogels
• Nerve Crush
• Nerve Fibers (drug effects, pathology, physiology)
• Nerve Regeneration (drug effects, physiology)
• Neural Conduction (drug effects, physiology)