Methods for producing a reproducible crush in the sciatic and tibial nerve of the rat and rapid and precise testing of return of sensory function. Beneficial effects of melanocortins.

A procedure for placing a crush lesion in the sciatic and tibial nerve of the rat based on anatomical landmarks is described. These crush lesions are used to study the process of regeneration of peripheral nervous tissue and the beneficial effects of melanocortins on speed and quality of nerve regeneration. A new precise and rapid method for testing the return of sensory function by a locally applied electric stimulus is discussed.