Inhibition of Peripheral Nerve Scarring by Calcium Antagonists, Also Known as Calcium Channel Blockers

The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of calcium channel blockers (verapamil) on the formation of scars in the sciatic nerve anastomosis after peripheral nerve injury. One hundred twenty healthy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and prepared with right sciatic nerve injury for this study. Samples were selected at the fourth and 12th weeks, respectively, after treatment and observations were made on the nerve anastomosis healing and diameter. Image analysis and statistical processing were carried out relating to the results of the study. The diameter of the anastomosis of the treatment group at weeks 4 and 12 was noticeably smaller than the control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment group at week 4, there were many vesicles observed in the fibroblasts' cytosol and in the control group, the fibroblasts exhibited high number of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The collagen content of the nerve scarring at week 12 in the treatment group was apparently less than the control group (P < 0.01). The calcium channel blocker (verapamil) reduced the axon resistance through the anastomosis during nerve regeneration. It can effectively inhibit the formation of scarring from nerve injury. It also provided an excellent microenvironment for the regeneration of nerve fibers.