Potential Neuroprotective Role of Verapamil in Experimentally- Induced Chronic Sciatic Nerve Constriction in Mice

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate of three dose levels of verapamil; as a calcium channel blocker that could confer an anti-inflammatory efficacy, in an experimental model of neuropathy in mice that had been subjected to chronic partial constriction of the sciatic nerve.
Materials and Methods: Six groups; each of 10 mice as follows: Oral saline treated control (group I), sham operated (group II), groups subjected to partial constriction of left sciatic nerve (groups III-VI); oral saline control group, groups treated with oral verapamil 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg respectively. Time course behavioral tests were observed namely noxious thermal and non noxious response as well as cold allodynia response at 0, 1,7,14 and 21 day of study. Serum visfatin and serum leptin levels, nerve reduced glutathione, spinal cord brain derived neurotrophic factor as end point biochemical measurements were assessed. All were done after three weeks of oral treatment.
Results: The study revealed significant antinociceptive effect of verapamil (P<0.001) with replenishment of reduced glutathione (P<0.01), significant increase in spinal cord levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (P<0.001) and reduction of mean serum visfatin levels. No significant effect on mean serum leptin in any treated groups was observed.
Conclusions: Verapamil 60 mg, 30 mg/kg oral dose had the highest significant antinociceptive, regenerative and as well as ability to reduce serum visfatin level after three week therapy.