J Reconstr Microsurg 1995; 11(6): 429-437
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006557
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Neuromuscular Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Repair: Effects of an Orally-Administered Peptide in a Primate Model

Marie A. Badalamente, Lawrence C. Hurst, Alfred Stracher
  • Department of Orthopaedics, SUNY, Stony Brook and Department of Biochemistry, SUNY, Brooklyn, New York
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Oral delivery of the tripeptide calpain inhibitor, leupeptin, after median nerve transection and epineural nerve repair in primates (Cebus apella) was studied for its potential benefits to neuromuscular recovery. Results of a controlled, dose-response study indicated that leupeptin was absorbed into plasma by the oral route of administration. When plasma leupeptin concentrations were 3 μg/ml or greater, morphologic and functional motor recovery were facilitated after nerve repair. Serial testing in hematology, clotting, and serum biochemistry showed that there were no adverse effects, when leupeptin was administered twice daily for 6 months following nerve repair. These data indicate that leupeptin is an effective and safe pharmaceutic adjunct to nerve repair and may have clinical benefits in humans, where the oral route is a much preferred method of delivery.