The effects of Aminoguanidine, Melatonin and Methylprednisolone on nerve healing in traumatic facial paralysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aminoguanidine, melatonin and corticosteroids on nerve regeneration in the traumatic facial nerve paralysis.In our experimental study 32 rabbits randomise were divided to 4 grous. The same surgically procedure was applied to all animals of control group (group 1), aminoguanidine (group 2), melatonin (group 3), corticosteroid (group 4). 2 cm length horizontal incision parallel to mandible was made on the left side of the rabbit face and buccal branch of the facial nerve was identified. 1 centimeter segment of buccal branch of facial nerve was removed and free tips of nerve were anastomosed with 9-0 monoflaman prolyn. In group 2, 100 mg/kg/day aminoguanidine were injected intraperitoneally among 10 days. In group 3, 30 mg/kg/day melatonin were injected intraperitoneally among 10 days. In group 4 1mg/kg/day metilprednizolon were injected intramusculary during 2 month. Postoperative 3, 6 and 10. week electromyography tests were made to buccal branch of facial nerve. Anastomosis regions were removed after 10 weeks and researched by light microscopy. The best nerve regeneration was determined in group aminoguanidine and worthless regeneration was determined in group steroid when compared to control group.In EMG, group aminoguanidine the best nerve regeneration results showed. And the following group melatonin. Group steroid was not better from the group control.In traumatic facial paralysis of rabbits, aminoguanidine and melatonin can be usefull for increasing the nerve regeneration whether steroid can not be usefull. New studies in humans are needed for supporting these results.