GDNF overexpression fails to provoke muscle recovery from botulinum toxin poisoning: a preliminary study.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has potent axonal growth and survival effects on motoneurons. This study used transgenic Myo-GDNF mice to assess the effects of targeted GDNF overexpression on functional recovery after botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) chemodenervation. BTxA (0.

Efficacy of short-term FK506 administration on accelerating nerve regeneration.

Background: The slow rate of nerve regeneration following injury can cause extended muscle denervation, leading to irreversible muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and destruction of motor endplates. The immunosuppressant FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to accelerate the rate of nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, the toxic and immunosuppressive properties of FK506 make it undesirable for long-term use.

Evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration via in vivo serial transcutaneous imaging using transgenic Thy1-YFP mice.

This study uses the saphenous nerve crush model in Thy1-YFP mice and serial transcutaneous imaging to evaluate the rate of nerve regeneration under various FK-506 (tacrolimus) dosing regimens and in the presence of transgenic overexpression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Thy1-YFP transgenic mice received saphenous nerve crush and were monitored for axonal regeneration via transcutaneous imaging for 7 days. Group A received no FK-506.

The 'Ten Test': application and limitations in assessing sensory function in the paediatric hand.

Background: The Ten Test, first described in 1997 by Strauch et al., is a simple, rapid, reliable and sensitive method to evaluate hand sensibility in adults. In this study, we validated its use in children.