The functional and biological effects of systemic dexamethasone on mice with facial nerve crushing injury

Abstract

Background: Corticosteroid therapy is commonly recommended for acute facial nerve weakness; however, its effectiveness in treating traumatic nerve injuries remains controversial. This study investigated the functional recovery and cellular effects of systemic dexamethasone administration after facial nerve injury.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice were assigned to two groups by intraperitoneal injection: the phosphate-buffered saline group and the dexamethasone group. Facial nerve crush injury was induced, followed by the functional grading of recovery. Cellular effects were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and intravital imaging.

Results: Macrophage infiltration into the facial nerves was significantly inhibited by systemic dexamethasone administration. However, dexamethasone group slightly delayed the functional recovery of the facial nerve compared to the PBS group. In addition, the morphological changes in the nerve were not significantly different between the two groups at 14 days post-injury. Macrophage migration analysis in the intravital imaging also showed no difference between groups.

Conclusions: In summary, systemic dexamethasone successfully inhibited leukocyte infiltration; however, functional recovery was delayed compared to the PBS control group. Clinically, these findings indicate that more evidence and research are required to use steroid pulse therapy for the treatment of traumatic facial nerve injuries.