Anti-TNF-α reduces the inflammatory reaction associated with cuff electrode implantation around the sciatic nerve

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2005-08, Vol.165 (1), p.121-128
• Main Authors: Vince, Valérie, Brelen, Mårten E., Delbeke, Jean, Colin, Ides M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Electrodes, Implanted - adverse effects; Fibrosis; Immune Sera - administration & dosage; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators - administration & dosage; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Male; Neutralizing antibodies; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sciatic Nerve - immunology; Sciatic Nerve - metabolism; Sciatic Nerve - pathology; Sciatic Neuropathy - immunology; Sciatic Neuropathy - pathology; Sciatic Neuropathy - prevention & control; Spiral cuff electrode; Transforming Growth Factor beta - immunology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Transforming growth factor β1; Tumor necrosis factor α; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - antagonists & inhibitors; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - immunology
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.04.019

Extraneural cuff electrodes have been extensively used to investigate the nervous system. Their implantation is, however, associated with epineurial fibrosis, fiber loss, limited reproducibility of recordings and variability in stimulating conditions. It has recently been shown that TNF-α is involved in nerve alterations after electrode implantation. This study investigated whether a peri-operative anti-TNF-α treatment could modify the inflammation and fibrosis associated with cuff electrode implantation. Morphometrical and immunohistochemical methods were used to show that a single systemic injection of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies is sufficient to reduce the early inflammatory events, but not the long lasting fibrotic reaction.