Regeneration of peripheral nerves after clenbuterol treatment in a rat model

Clenbuterol is known to act as a neuroprotective substance in the central nervous system, and also reduces muscle atrophy after denervation. The aim of this study was to evaluate its influence on peripheral nerve regeneration. The rat sciatic nerve model was used in four groups (n = 8 per group). After complete nerve transection and microsurgical coaptation, two groups received a daily oral dose of 100 μg/kg clenbuterol and two served as controls. Regeneration was assessed clinically, histologically, and morphometrically after 4 and 6 weeks. The weight ratios of calf muscles were calculated. Histological examination showed significantly increased axon counts in the clenbuterol group and a better degree of myelination. Muscle weight ratios of the clenbuterol group were significantly increased after 6 weeks, and the animals showed improved function of the hindlimb. Thus, therapy with 100 μg/kg clenbuterol daily after coaptation of a sciatic nerve showed a positive influence on clinical, histological, and morphometrical parameters in the rat model. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1687–1691, 2001