PXL01 alters macrophage response with no effect on axonal outgrowth or Schwann cell response after nerve repair in rats.

Background

Adjunctive pharmacological treatment may improve nerve regeneration. We investigated nerve regeneration processes of PXL01 - a lactoferrin-derived peptide - after repair of the sciatic nerve in healthy Wistar rats.Materials & methods: PXL01, sodium hyaluronate (carrier) or sodium chloride was administered around the repair. After 6 days axonal outgrowth, Schwann cell response, pan- (CD68) and pro-healing (CD206) macrophages in sciatic nerve, sensory neuronal response in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in sciatic nerves and DRGs were analyzed.

Results

Despite a lower number of pan-macrophages, other investigated variables in sciatic nerves or DRGs did not differ between the treatment groups.

Conclusion

PLX01 applied locally inhibits inflammation through pan-macrophages in repaired sciatic nerves without any impact on nerve regeneration or pro-healing macrophages.