ABSTRACT
Objective: to determine the effects of chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit on transected sciatic nerve in animal model of rat
Methods: sixty male White Wistar rats were used in this study. A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit [CZON] filled with phosphate buffered saline. In chitosan group [CHIT] the chitosan conduit was filled with phosphate buffered saline solution. In sham-operated group [SHAM], sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In transected group [TC], left sciatic nerve was transected and nerve cut ends were fixed in the adjacent muscle. The regenerated fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery
Results: the behavioral and functional tests confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in CZON group compared to Chitosan group [p<0.05]. The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of CZON and Chitosan groups [p<0.05]. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in CZON than in Chitosan. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CZON was clearly more positive than Chitosan group
Conclusion: chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit resulted in acceleration of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve