Local application of anti-NGF blocks the collateral sprouting in rats following chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve

Neurosci Lett. 1996 Nov 1;218(2):87-90. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(96)13109-8.

Abstract

Systemic administration of anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) antibodies can block nociceptive fiber sprouting into denervated adult rat skin. However, the effect of local application of anti-NGF on collateral sprouting in rats caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) has not been well studied. We investigated the influence of local anti-NGF on collateral sprouting caused by CCI of the rat's sciatic nerve. Using a dye-labeled plasma extravasation technique, we can easily evaluate the extent of collateral sprouting by the clearly defined blue coloration area. Our results showed that local application of anti-NGF either in a high or low dose significantly prevented the spread of collateral sprouting from the saphenous nerve into the sciatic innervation territory. In contrast, distilled water did not show a significant block of the saphenous nerve collateral sprouting. Our study suggests that collateral sprouting is dependent on the local availability of NGF by the nearby intact cutaneous nerve fibers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Male
  • Nerve Growth Factors / pharmacology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiology*
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors