Effects of agmatine sulphate on facial nerve injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of agmatine sulphate on facial nerve regeneration after facial nerve injury using electron and light microscopy.

METHODS

The study was performed on 30 male Wistar albino rats split into: a control group, a sham-treated group, a study control group, an anastomosis group, and an anastomosis plus agmatine sulphate treatment group. The mandibular branch of the facial nerve was dissected, and a piece was removed for histological and electron microscopic examination.

RESULTS

Regeneration was better in the anastomosis group than in the study control group. However, the best regeneration findings were seen in the agmatine sulphate treatment group. There was a significant difference between the agmatine group and the others in terms of median axon numbers (p < 0.004) and diameters (p < 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Agmatine sulphate treatment with anastomosis in traumatic facial paralysis may enhance nerve regeneration.