The effects of simvastatin on functional recovery of rat reperfused sciatic nerve.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of simvastatin in protecting sciatic nerve from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using the model of experimental nerve ischemia. Sixty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were used. They were divided into ten groups (N = 6 per group). We used ischemia model in these groups. All ischemia groups were rendered ischemic for 3 h. Then followed by reperfusion durations of zero time (0 hR), 3 h (3 hR), 7 days (7 dR), 14 days (14 dR). The treatment group received intravenous simvastatin (1 mg kg(-1)) 1 h before ischemia, while the control group received an equal volume of intravenous vehicle at the same time schedule and route. Behavioral data were obtained immediately before euthanasia. The score was based on coordination, racing reflex, toe spread and reaction to pinch. In simvastatin treated I/R rats we had increase in functional recovery. In conclusion, pre-ischemic administration of simvastatin exhibits neuroprotective properties in I/R nerve injury.