【論文摘要】The Effects of Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Combined Vitamin B12 on Functional Recovery in Rats With Brachial Plexus Stretch Injury

【論文摘要】低強度脈衝超音波合併維生素B12對於大鼠臂神經叢牽拉損傷之功能性恢復的影響

呂祐霖(You-Lin Lu) ； 謝悅齡(Yueh-Ling Hsieh)

《物理治療》 45卷4期 (2020/12) Pp. 300-301

https://doi.org/10.6215/FJPT.202012.O07

摘要

Background and Purpose: Brachial plexus stretch injury (BPSI) may result in lasting functional deficits including motor and sensory dysfunction, however, the management on promoting functional recovery is unsatisfied. A conservative treatment of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) or vitamin B12 supplement has been commonly used on nerve regeneration, but their effects are still limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of LIPUS combined with vitamin B12 on functional recovery in rats with BPSI. Methods: After BPSI or sham operation, adult male Sprague Dawley rats (250-300g, n = 50) were randomly divided into 7 groups including BPSI treated with LIPUS (BL, n = 8), sham-LIPUS (BsL, n = 8), vitamin B12 (BV, n = 6), vehicle (BsV, n = 6), and LIPUS combined with vitamin B12 (BLV, n = 6), as well as sham-BPSI treated with LIPUS (sBL, n = 8) and sham-LIPUS (sBsL, n = 8). Animals treated with LIPUS (1 MHz, 100 mW/cm^2, 20% of pulsed mode, 5 minutes) and vitamin B12 injection (1 mg/ kg) were started three days after BPSI and continued for 2 weeks. Sensory, motor and electrophysiological examinations were measured before, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after BPSI operation. Results: There were significant improvements on mechanical and cold thresholds of paw withdrawals, grooming and toe spread behaviors and electrophysiological studies in BL, BV and BLV groups when compared to their controls (p ＜ 0.05). Moreover, markedly enhanced functional recovery was also demonstrated in the BLV group when compared to the groups receiving a single treatment (p ＜ 0.05). Conclusions: LIPUS combined with vitamin B12 supplement could achieve better results in functional recovery than a conventional treatment of LIPUS or vitamin B12 alone. Clinical Relevance: LIPUS combined with vitamin B12 is capable of enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration following a stretch injury.