RESUMO
Objective To observed the immigration and proliferation of Schwann cells in acellular xe- no-nerve graft in rats.Methods The sciatic nerves on the right side of the rats were exposc.d and 0.8cm long segments of the nerves were removed from the mid-thigh level and replaced by 1.0cm long rabbit nerves made acellular through chemical extraction.After 4 months,the immigration and proliferation of Schwann cells in the graft were revealed by HE staining,S-100 immunohistochemieal staining and transmission electromicro- scope.Results In the rats repaired by acellular nerves,regenerated axons upgrow into the graft,and a- round regenerated axons there were abundant cells aligned,the cytoplasm of which were S-100 immunoreac- tive.Electromicroscope observing showed that regenerated axons were surrounded by myelin formed by the mi- grated cells reoccupied the acellular segments.Conclusion The host Schwann cells can immigrate into rab- bit nerve grafts made acellular through chemical extraction and form myelin enwrapping regenerated axons in rats.