Effects of Low-Dose Citicoline on the Electrical Conduction Function of the Crushed Sciatic Nerve of Rats

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Citicoline has therapeutic and beneficial effects in a variety of neurologic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of low doses of citicoline for the early period of administration in rat sciatic nerve crush injury by using electrophysiological and biochemical approaches. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 8 in each) and treated as follows: sham-operated (intact, saline), control (crushed sciatic nerve, saline), 50C (crushed sciatic nerve, 50 mg/kg citicoline), and 250C (crushed sciatic nerve, 250 mg/kg citicoline). At the end of the 7-day experimental period, motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCVs) were determined using in vivo electrodes and fresh rat blood was collected for biochemical analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> MNCVs were significantly reduced in crushed sciatic nerve of rats but significantly increased after 7 days of citicoline administration. Improved electrophysiological recovery in the citicoline groups was significant when compared to the control group. In addition, citicoline exacerbated the decrease in total glutathione level and glutathione reductase and catalase activities but decreased malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Results presented in this paper suggest that low doses of citicoline for the early period of administration have a promotional effect on improving the electrical conduction function of the sciatic nerve.