Abstract

BaCkground: The aim of this study was.to-determine the-effects of amniotic membrane impregnated with. betamethasone on regeneraticih of transectedsciatic nerve injury in, adult albino Wister rats. Methods:-In-this. research, 42 male adultrats were divided into six equal-groups. 1) Normal (intact) group: healthy-rats without-any injury; 2) Control group: sciatic nerve-was cut and sutured; 3) Sham group: 0.2 mL culture medium was injected on the epineuriUm in the injury; 4) Amniotic membrane group (AM): Acellular amniotic membrane was used-around the damaged sciatic nerve; 5)-Betamethasone group-(B): - 0.2-mL Betamethasone (4 mg/niL) was injectedin the site Of-damaged-nerve and 6)Amiliotic membrane group and 'Betatriethasone-(AM/B) group: Acellular amniotic membrane impregnated with 0.2 triL betamethaSone was used around the damaged sciatic nerve. The rate of recovery was studied by Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), withdrawal reflex latency (WRL) test and electroctrophysiological assessments at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological assessment was done 8 weeks after surgery. Results: At 8-weeks after surgery, SFI, WRL test and electrophysiolOgical values in-AM/8' group were significantly improved compared-to -control and-sham-groups (P'< 0:05). Histological results showed improvement 'in therapeutib-groups, eSpecially AM/8-group compared to control and sharn, groups and other therapeutic groups (P < 0,05). ConclusiOn:- The present: study showed the positive effects of Amniotic membrane-and Betamethasone on nerve regeneration-of transected sciatic nerve in a rat model.