NEUROSURGICAL REVIEW, vol.20, no.2, pp.124-127, 1997 (SCI-Expanded)
28 rats were studied. They were divided into four groups of 7 rats of each: one-day control animals (Group A), seven-day control animals (Group B), one-day nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated animals (Group C) and seven-day NGF-treated animals (Group D). In all animals, the right sciatic nerve was explored and completely transected using micro-scissors under a microscope. In NGF-treated animals, NGF (0.1 mg/kg NGF) was injected subcutaneously. In control animals. there was a statistically significant decrease in AChE activity in the proximal stump of the transected sciatic nerve at 7-day measurements (p < 0.05). In the NGF-treated groups, mean AChE activity in the proximal stump of the transected sciatic nerve was decreased at the 7-day measurement. AChE activity difference between control and NGF-treated groups. measured on the 7th day, are statistically significant (p < 0.01). These results demonstrate the effect of NGF on the cholinergic system.