RESUMO
Objective: To assess the effect of combination of pulsed electromagnetic fields [PEMF] with predatory stress on transected sciatic nerve regeneration in rats
Methods: In sham- operated group [SOG] the nerve was manipulated and left intact. The 10-mm rat sciatic nerve gap was created in rats. In transected group [Transected] nerve stumps were sutured to adjacent muscle and in vein graft group [VG] the gap was bridged using an inside-out vein graft. In VG/PEMF group the transected nerve was bridged using vein graft, phosphate buffered saline was administered into the graft and the whole body was exposed to PEMF. In VG/PS group the transected nerve was bridged using vein graft, phosphate buffered saline was administered into the graft and the rats underwent predatory stress [PS]. In VG/PEMF/PS group the transected nerve was bridged using vein graft, phosphate buffered saline was administered into the graft, the whole body was exposed to PEMF and the rats underwent predatory stress. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery
Results: Functional, gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in VG/PEMF and VG/PEMF/PS groups compared to those in the other groups [p=0.001]. The whole body exposure to PEMF improved functional recovery. Predatory stress did not affect nerve regeneration in the animals undergone predatory stress [p=0.343]
Conclusion: Pulsed electromagnetic fields could be considered as an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for peripheral nerve repair in clinical practice