[Effect of ACTH on long-term outcome of muscle regeneration after nerve injuries].

An experimental investigation was performed to examine the influence of ACTH on the long-term results of muscle regeneration after nerve repair. Twenty albino-rabbits ("White Russians") served as the animal model. The epi-perineural neurorrhaphy of the fibular nerve was carried out under microscopic control with 11x0 sutures. A computer-supported light-microscopic analysis of representative muscle-fiber diameters was performed for detection of nerve regeneration on the effector muscle of the peroneal nerve, the anterior tibial muscle, after 3, 4, 5 1/2, 7, and 8 months. In addition, the nerves were examined by light microscopy using not only standard techniques but also surgical immunohistological staining techniques (APAAP). The acceleration of nerve regeneration already described in the literature was confirmed by our investigations. However, the results observed after eight months were similar, regardless of the ACTH dosage applied. Muscle regeneration was not influenced by the injection of ACTH. It therefore does not appear justifiable to clinically apply ACTH for improvement of nerve and muscle regeneration.