Neuromuscular recovery after peripheral nerve repair: effects of an orally-administered peptide in a primate model

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
M A BadalamenteA Stracher

Abstract

Oral delivery of the tripeptide calpain inhibitor, leupeptin, after median nerve transection and epineural nerve repair in primates (Cebus apella) was studied for its potential benefits to neuromuscular recovery. Results of a controlled, dose-response study indicated that leupeptin was absorbed into plasma by the oral route of administration. When plasma leupeptin concentrations were 3 micrograms/ml or greater, morphologic and functional motor recovery were facilitated after nerve repair. Serial testing in hematology, clotting, and serum biochemistry showed that there were no adverse effects, when leupeptin was administered twice daily for 6 months following nerve repair. These data indicate that leupeptin is an effective and safe pharmaceutic adjunct to nerve repair and may have clinical benefits in humans, where the oral route is a much preferred method of delivery.

Citations

May 29, 1998·Journal of Hand Therapy : Official Journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists·A B Dagum
Sep 6, 2005·Clinics in Plastic Surgery·Renata V Weber, Susan E Mackinnon
Aug 25, 2000·Journal of Cranio-maxillo-facial Surgery : Official Publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery·A CicconettiA Romaniello
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Apr 1, 2003·The Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery = Journal Canadien De Chirurgie Plastique·Terence M MyckatynSusan E Mackinnon
Jun 8, 2000·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·A Stracher
Dec 11, 1999·Muscle & Nerve·M A Badalamente, A Stracher

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