BACKGROUND: Denervation atrophy is one factor contributing to suboptimal motor recovery following major nerve repair. The hypertrophic effects of anabolic steroids may have a potential role in improving reinnervated muscle strength after delayed repair. METHODS: Forty-five immature female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent three surgeries and final testing. The tibial nerve was transected in the hind limb of the experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 14) animals and exposed, but not transected in the sham (n = 15) group animals. Three months later, once denervation atrophy was established, all transected nerves underwent repair using an autograft from the contralateral limb. After waiting an additional month to allow axonal regeneration to the gastrocnemius muscles, the rodents were implanted with a subcutaneous infusion pump. For the experimental group, nandrolone was administered over the next 30 days via this pump, while the control and sham group pumps were filled with carrier only. RESULTS: Final testing, 6 weeks later, showed improved muscle contraction strength in the steroid-treated animals (72% of sham group strength) compared to control animals (57% of sham group strength, p < 0.5). A trend towards increased weight and muscle belly diameter in the steroid-treated group was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the potential role of anabolic steroids in improving recovery of atrophic muscle after delayed reinnervation.
BACKGROUND: Denervation atrophy is one factor contributing to suboptimal motor recovery following major nerve repair. The hypertrophic effects of anabolic steroids may have a potential role in improving reinnervated muscle strength after delayed repair. METHODS: Forty-five immature female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent three surgeries and final testing. The tibial nerve was transected in the hind limb of the experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 14) animals and exposed, but not transected in the sham (n = 15) group animals. Three months later, once denervation atrophy was established, all transected nerves underwent repair using an autograft from the contralateral limb. After waiting an additional month to allow axonal regeneration to the gastrocnemius muscles, the rodents were implanted with a subcutaneous infusion pump. For the experimental group, nandrolone was administered over the next 30 days via this pump, while the control and sham group pumps were filled with carrier only. RESULTS: Final testing, 6 weeks later, showed improved muscle contraction strength in the steroid-treated animals (72% of sham group strength) compared to control animals (57% of sham group strength, p < 0.5). A trend towards increased weight and muscle belly diameter in the steroid-treated group was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the potential role of anabolic steroids in improving recovery of atrophic muscle after delayed reinnervation.
Authors: V L Ellingrod; P J Perry; W R Yates; J H MacIndoe; G Watson; S Arndt; T L Holman Journal: Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse Date: 1997-11 Impact factor: 3.829
Authors: Joo Wan Kim; Sae-Kwang Ku; Ki Young Kim; Sung Goo Kim; Min Ho Han; Gi-Young Kim; Hye Jin Hwang; Byung Woo Kim; Cheol Min Kim; Yung Hyun Choi Journal: Oxid Med Cell Longev Date: 2015-05-12 Impact factor: 6.543
Authors: S Moimas; F Novati; G Ronchi; S Zacchigna; F Fregnan; L Zentilin; G Papa; M Giacca; S Geuna; I Perroteau; Z M Arnež; S Raimondo Journal: Gene Ther Date: 2013-05-30 Impact factor: 5.250