Healing effect of lamotrigine on repair of damaged sciatic nerve in rabbit

Abstract

To determine the effect of lamotrigine, an antiepileptic drug, on sciatic nerve regeneration and repair, 30 male white 2000+100 g New Zealand rabbits were divided into two equal groups of case and control. The right sciatic nerve of all animals was transected in the mid-thigh region and was sutured immediately. In the case group, lamotrigine was implanted at the site of nerve but the control group received nothing. Each group was divided into 3 equal subgroups. The subgroups A, B and C were sacrificed after 14, 45 and 90 d post-operation, respectively. Electromyographic and histopathological examinations were carried out for each animal. Histological study revealed a significant prominent repair and proliferation of Schwann cells in the case group after 14 and 45 d and a relatively complete repair after 90 d post-operation. As lamotrigine could enhance the proliferation of Schwann cells, it played an important role in the regeneration of the injured sciatic nerve. © GSP, India.