AIM:To study the effect of Yiqi Huayu Fang on neurons at
neuromuscular junctions during
regeneration and repair of nerve
after L5 nerve root compressed in rats. METHODS:Using polyclonal protein gene product 9.5(PGP 9.5) as a neuron mark,the soleus muscles of the rats were obtained after the Yiqi Huayu Fang was given through stomach perfusion at 10,20,30 and 60 d after L5 nerve root compressed.The process of peripheral nerve
regeneration and repair at
neuromuscular junctions was observed with immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning techniques.The motion endplates were visualized with fluorescein conjugated α bungarotoxin(α BTX).The overlapping areas of peripheral nerve and motion endplates were measured with NIH image technique. RESULTS:After denervation of muscle,the aggregation,budding and extension of peripheral nerve at neuromuscular junctions in Yiqi Huayu Fang group(trial group) were obviously earlier than those in control group.The overlapping speed and range of peripheral nerve with motion endplates and reformation of neuromuscular junctions during regeneration and repair of nerve in trial group were significantly better than those in control group. CONCLUSION:Yiqi Huayu Fang can promote proliferation of neurons and enhance their regeneration function.Meanwhile,it can accelerate the reformation of neuromuscular junction and remarkably shorten the process of regeneration and repair of nerve.