ABSTRACT
Facial paralysis (FP) remains today one of the most disturbing cranial nerve disorders.
The present study utilized the rat model of FP and examined a dual approach of combining
the current microsurgical treatment of cross-facial nerve graft (CFNG) with local
administration of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The efficacy of this combined
treatment approach was assessed by motor end-plate analysis of the reinnervated orbicularis
oculi muscle (OOM). Local administration of IGF-I (50 μg/ml) to the CFNG demonstrated
a 61 percent increase in the number of end-plates in the reinnervated OOMs, compared
to the OOMs reinnervated with CFNG plus vehicle. These results indicate that the local
therapeutic augmentation of IGF-I levels at the coaptation site(s) of the CFNG may,
in fact, enhance reinnervation of muscle and recovery of function in general.
KEYWORD
Facial paralysis - insulin-like growth factor - cross-facial nerve graft - enhanced
reinnervation of orbicularis oculi