Chronic Constriction Injury Model

The sciatic nerve developed peripheral mononeuropathy in rats according to the method previously reported by Mao et al. (1993) and Shahid et al. (2017). Rats in both the ligation and sham groups (n = 6/group) were anesthetized with a ketamine:xylazine mixture in a ratio of 4:1. A blunt dissection revealed the common sciatic nerve through the biceps femoris in the center of the thigh. Approximately 7 mm of the sciatic nerve was removed from the adherent tissue proximal to the trifurcation. Four ligatures (4-0 chromic gut) were loosely wrapped around it with an interval of about 1 mm. The nerve was 4–5 mm long when it was impacted. The sham group had a similar dissection, except that the sciatic nerve was not ligated. All surgical procedures were performed under standard sterile conditions. Primary care was taken for the wound by applying povidone iodine ointment. The animals were inspected every 2 days during the first 14 days and then weekly for 28 days. During these examinations, each rat was placed on a table and carefully studied for a minute or two for changes in gait, the posture of the affected hind paw, the skin condition of the affected hind paw, and the amount of autonomy if present.