Nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor promote reinnervation by nerve−muscle−endplate grafting

Introduction: This study was designed to test whether exogenous application of nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) to muscles reinnervated with nerve−muscle−endplate band grafting (NMEG) could promote specific outcomes. Methods: The right sternomastoid muscle in adult rats was experimentally denervated and immediately reinnervated by implanting an NMEG pedicle from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle. A fibrin sealant containing NGF and FGF-2 was focally applied to the implantation site. Maximal tetanic force, muscle weight, regenerated axons, and motor endplates were analyzed 3 months after treatment. Results: Mean tetanic force, wet muscle weight, and number of regenerated axons in the treated muscles were 91%, 92%, and 84% of the contralateral controls, respectively. The majority of endplates (86%) in the treated muscles were reinnervated by regenerated axons. Discussion: Focal administration of NGF and FGF-2 promotes efficacy of the NMEG technique. Muscle Nerve 57: 449–459, 2018.