PXL01 alters macrophage response with no effect on axonal outgrowth or Schwann cell response after nerve repair in rats

Background: Adjunctive pharmacological treatment may improve nerve regeneration. We investigated nerve regeneration processes of PXL01 - a lactoferrin-derived peptide - after repair of the sciatic nerve in healthy Wistar rats. Materials & methods: PXL01, sodium hyaluronate (carrier) or sodium chloride was administered around the repair. After 6 days axonal outgrowth, Schwann cell response, pan- (CD68) and pro-healing (CD206) macrophages in sciatic nerve, sensory neuronal response in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in sciatic nerves and DRGs were analyzed. Results: Despite a lower number of pan-macrophages, other investigated variables in sciatic nerves or DRGs did not differ between the treatment groups. Conclusion: PLX01 applied locally inhibits inflammation through pan-macrophages in repaired sciatic nerves without any impact on nerve regeneration or pro-healing macrophages.