Nerve growth potential of FK 506 and its analogues - A systematic review of controlled trials in rats

BackgroundNerve injuries of the upper extremity seldom regain full preinjury function. Delay in nerve repair, nerve gap and ischemic local conditions are some of the factors attributed as the cause. The proximal axonal segment regenerates in the presence of neuronotrophic factors present in nerve tissue. FK 506 and its nonimmunosuppressive analogues have been shown to influence the growth of axons experimentally. Parallel studies of animals and human beings have demonstrated strong, toxic effects of these agents.PurposeTo review systematically data on the role of FK 506 and its analogues in peripheral nerve regeneration of randomized, controlled trials in rats. Reports dealing with the toxic effects of these agents all were reviewed as well.MethodsArticles and reviews were identified through a computerized search of MEDLINE from January 1966 to September 1999 by using the terms “FK 506”, “FKBP-12 ligands”, “peripheral nerve regeneration” and “nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in FK 506”. Tw...