Pyrroloquinoline quinone enhances regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in rats.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on nerve regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in animal models.

METHODS

Forty SD rats weighing 220-240 g were randomized into a PQQ group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Each animal underwent sciatic nerve transection operation. After the operation, PQQ 0.5 ml (250 microg/Kg) was injected at the operation site in the PQQ group, while the same volume of normal saline was delivered in the control group. Nerve functional evaluation, electrophysiological index recording were carried out according to the experimental design. Newly generated nerve specimens were harvested 12 weeks postoperatively for morphological studies.

RESULTS

In the PQQ group there was a good nerve regeneration and the sciatic nerve function, sciatic nerve function index, electrophysiological index and morphological appearance were superior to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PQQ has a remarkable effect in enhancing nerve regeneration of transected peripheral nerve.