Assessment of Neuroprotective Effects of Local Administration of 17- Beta- Estradiol on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Ovariectomized Female Rats

To assess the neuroprotective effects of local administration of 17- beta- estradiol on nerve
regeneration.
Methods: Sixty female Wistar rats were overiectomized and divided into four experimental groups (n=15),
randomly: In autograft group a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and re-implanted reversely. In shamsurgery group sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In transected group left sciatic nerve was transected
and stumps were fxed in adjacent muscle. In treatment group defect was bridged using a silicon conduit flled
with 10 µL (0.1 mg/mL) 17- beta- estradiol. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups of fve animals each
and nerve fbers were studied in a 12-week period.
Results: Behavioral, functional, biomechanical, electrophysiological and gastrocnemius muscle mass fndings
and morphometric indices confrmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in treatment group than in other
groups (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in treatment group were more positive than that in
other groups.
Conclusion: Local administration of 17-beta-estradiol improved functional recovery and morphometric indices
of sciatic nerve. It could have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve
transection.