Levetiracetam treatment in an experimental model of sciatic nerve injury: A randomized controlled trial

Aim This study examined whether levetiracetam contributes to improvements in the axon-nerve damage in an experimental rat model. Materials and Methods Forty-eight Wistar albino adult male rats weighing 250-300 gr were randomized into six groups having or not having sciatic nerve damages and receiving different (none, 300 and 600 mg/kg) levetiracetam doses, and control (non-levetiracetam). Functional gait analysis and tissue sample analysis with the aid of light microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin dye were evaluated between the groups. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the detailed examination of sciatic nerves. S-100 (Schwann cell marker) immunoreactivities in sciatic nerve was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Sciatic functional index of the injured rats receiving 300 mg/kg levetiracetam was -65.59 +/- 29.48 and -47.13 +/- 21.36 in the 2(nd) and 6(th) weeks, respectively (p < 0.001). Also, IMA and TOS levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to those receiving levetiracetam (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The most significant nerve regeneration was in the group injured and treated with LEV 600 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Conclusion There was a significant improvement in the sciatic functional index, histopathological findings, and parameters showing tissue oxidant status in rats with sciatic nerve injury receiving levetiracetam treatment. Further investigations should be performed to evaluate the contribution of levetiracetam as a treatment modality in sciatic nerve injuries.