Effects of ketorolac tromethamine in the sciatic nerve trauma model in rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ketorolac tromethamine on sciatic nerve static index, axon and myelin diameter, quantity of fibroblasts and mast cells in the sciatic nerve trauma model in rats.Material and Methods: In order to perform peripheral nerve trauma an aneurysm clip with a closing pressure of 63 gr and having a 8.7 mm of pressure width was placed at sciatic nerve for 2 minutes. They are randomly divided in to 3 groups as group sham, group saline, group ketorolac tromethamine.Group Sham (n:3): Only surgical procedure was applied, but sciatic nerve trauma has not been performed.Group Saline (n:12): One mL of saline was administered intraperitoneally four times at 6 hours intervals after trauma has been performed.Group Ketorolac tromethamine (n:12): One mL of 50 mg/kg ketorolac tromethamine was administered intraperitoneally 4 times at 6 hours intervals after trauma has been performed.24 hours after sciatic nerve trauma has been performed, subjects were randomised into 2 groups named as, acute and chronic. The footprints of rats were scanned in acute group for 3 days and in chronic group for the initial 3 days every day and later once every 7 days for 42 days by a scanner (on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42). Static sciatic index was calculated. Sections acquired from sciatic nerves of rats were assessed histopathologically.Results: If static sciatic index value means were compared among groups in chronic group; there were no significant differences between 1., 2., 3., 7., 14., 21., 28. and 35. days static sciatic index value means. On the other hand, in chronic ketorolac tromethamine group on 42. day static sciatic index mean value was significantly high( p<0.05). In acute ketorolac tromethamine group axon diameter mean values were significantly high and fibroblast count mean values were significantly lower ( p< 0.05). In chronic ketorolac tromethamine group axon diameter, myelin diameter, axon count mean values were significantly high ( p< 0.05). In chronic ketorolac tromethamine group fibroblast and mast cell count mean values were significantly lower ( p<0.05).Discussion and Conclusion: In sciatic nerve trauma model, we have established that intraperitoneally four times administered 50 mg/kg of ketorolac tromethamine, in the early period, can only increase axon diameter and decrease fibroblast count at the trauma site, whereas in the late period; it can increase axon and myelin diameter and decrease fibroblast and mast cell count at the trauma site and is associated with improvement of motor function.Keywords: peripheric nerve trauma, ketorolac tromethamine, static sciatic index, mast cell, fibroblast