Basic fibroblast growth factor combined with biodegradable hydrogel promotes healing of facial nerve after compression injury: An experimental study

CONCLUSION: Topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) hydrogel facilitates faster healing from traumatic facial paralysis due to continuous release of bFGF. OBJECTIVES: bFGF is considered a potent agent to facilitate recovery from neuronal damage; however, exogenously applied bFGF does not work well because of its short acting time. To enhance the effects in vivo, we developed a new drug delivery system by embedding bFGF in a gelatin hydrogel that degrades slowly. In this study, the effects of bFGF-hydrogel on traumatic facial nerve paralysis were investigated in guinea pigs. METHODS: The intratemporal facial nerve was exposed and clamped at the vertical portion using micro needle forceps. The animals were then subjected to one of the following three procedures: group A, no further treatment; group B, one-shot application of bFGF to the nerve; and group C, application of bFGF-hydrogel instead. Six weeks later, facial nerve functions were evaluated by three test batteries: observation of facial movements, electrophysiological testing, and histological study. RESULTS: The results for groups A and B were similar in the three tests, indicating that one-shot application of bFGF did not benefit facial nerve recovery. In contrast, group C achieved better results in all tests.