Methylcobalamin in Combination with Early Intervention of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Potentiates Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Brachial Plexus Injury Model

Abstract

This study evaluated and compared the functional recovery and histopathological outcomes of treatment involving low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and methylcobalamin (B12) on brachial plexus injury (BPI) in an experimental rat model. Three days after BPI, the rats were assigned to receive either LIPUS or methylcobalamin alone or in combination consecutively for 12 days. Serial changes in sensory and motor behavioral responses, as well as morphological and immunohistochemical changes for substance P (SP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (iba1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 were examined 28 days after BPI as the outcome measurements. Early intervention of LIPUS and methylcobalamin, whether alone or in combination, augmented the sensory and motor behavioral recovery as well as modulated SP and iba1 expression in spinal dorsal horns, BDNF, and S100 in the injured nerve. Moreover, the combined therapy with its synergistic effect gave the most beneficial effect in accelerating functional recovery. In view of the effective initiation of early recovery of sensory and motor functions, treatment with LIPUS and methylcobalamin in combination has a potential role in the clinical management of early-phase BPI.