Introduction. When deeply impacted mandibular third molars are removed, the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is sometimes injured, resulting in long-standing neuropathic disorders in patients. The purpose of this experimental study was a pathomorphological evaluation of the antiinflammatory effect of aprotinin application on injured IAN and perineural tissues. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 24 rats. After nerve injury, a hemostatic sponge impregnated with an aprotinin-based drug was placed near the mental foramen in the rats of the study group. Histological examination was performed 2, 7
and 14 days after the start of the experiment. In the morphometric study, the cellular composition of the infiltrate surrounding the injured IAN was calculated. Results and discussion. Aprotinin applications have been shown to have a positive effect on IAN structures, reducing destructive changes in individual nerve fiber bundles, as well as inflammatory and destructive changes in the surrounding soft tissues. Morphometric studies revealed a significant decrease in neutrophils, lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Conclusions. It is recommended to continue the research on the effectiveness of application of aprotinin during surgical interventions near peripheral nerves.
- aprotinin
- lower alveolar nerve
- mandible
- neuropathy.