Riluzole restores motor acivity in rats with post-traumatic peripheral neuropathy

Riluzole is a presynaptic inhibitor of glutamate release with neuroprotective properties. In order to evaluate the effects of riluzole on motoractivity in post-traumatic peripheral neuropathy (PTPN), the sciatic nerve of Wistar male rats was exposed monolaterally and subjected tocrushing for one min by a surgical forceps. Animals received an intraperitoneal treatment with riluzole (2, 4 or 8 mg/kg per day), diclofenac(5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) or with vehicle for 3 days. Motor activity and coordination was evaluated in a circular open field and in the rotorod test.The treatment with riluzole stimulated ambulation in PTPN rats and improved their motor performance and coordination. The effect oftreatment with riluzole on locomotor activity was greater than that of treatment with diclofenac and was dose-dependent. Furthermore, incontrast to vehicle- and diclofenac-treated rats, animals treated with riluzole showed a long-lasting improvement of locomotor activity as itwas assessed 7 days after the end of treatment. These findings suggest that riluzole may improve motor performance in PTPN, and this doesnot depend on its antinociceptive activity. Its neuroprotective properties are possibly involved in this effect