Long-term local corticosteroid application does not influence nerve transmission or structure.

Abstract

The long-term effects of a locally applied depot form of a corticosteroid on the electrical properties and structure of nerves were investigated in an animal experimental model. The conduction in electrically stimulated A-fibres of the plantar nerve was monitored by a bipolar volley recording of the sciatic nerve whereas the conduction in C-fibres of the plantar nerve was measured through a C-fibre evoked segmental flexion reflex in the anaesthetized rat. Droplets of either methylprednisolone acetate or vehicle were placed under direct observation on the plantar nerve. Saline was used as a control on the contralateral side. One to two weeks after the application both the A-fibre volley of the sciatic nerve and the C-fibre evoked reflex discharge of flexor motoneurons were recorded. No difference was found between the nerves treated with corticosteroid, constituent vehicle or saline. Light and electron microscopic analysis of the nerves showed no changes in the nerve fibres or in the intraneural connective tissue in either the corticosteroid treated or the control nerves. It is concluded that locally applied corticosteroids in limited amounts have no long-term effects on the electrical and structural properties of peripheral nerves.