ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Col agen-gelatin composite scaffolds have been reported to be able to promote the early recovery of peripheral nerve defects. However, this conclusion has not been further confirmed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biocompatibility of the col agen-gelatin scaffold and its treatment outcomes in the repair of peripheral nerve defects. METHODS:The col agen-gelatin scaffold was co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s (BMSCs) of Sprague-Dawley rats for 5 days, and then the cel growth was observed. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were enrol ed, modeled into a left 30-mm peroneal nerve defect and randomized into experimental and control groups. The col agen-gelatin scaffold composited with BMSCs was implanted into the experimental group, and autograft nerve implanted into the control group. Morphology of the middle bridge was observed, and electrophysiology was conducted at 16 weeks after implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:BMSCs grew and adhered wel onto the scaffold. The myelinated nerve fiber density did not significantly differ between groups (P>0.05). The myelinated nerve fiber diameter, myelin sheaththickness and percentage of nerve tissues in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P0.05). The amplitude of motor nerves and the latency of sensory nerves in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). To conclude, the col agen-gelatin scaffold holds a good cytocompatibity and is ideal for the repair of peripheral nerve defects.