Combined use of modified chitosan and methylprednisolone promotes repair of sciatic nerve injuries in rats / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that chitosan can promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury and methylprednisolone can improve the microenvironment around nerve injuries, which are commonly used in clinical treatment of acute central nervous system injury. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of modified chitosan and methylprednisolone combination on repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats. METHODS:The rat sciatic nerve was transected and microscopical y anastomosed immediately. Then, modified chitosan, methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone+modified chitosan, and saline were injected respectively around the anastomosis site, compared with the sham surgery group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with other groups, the combination group showed shorter claw extending reflex recovery time (P<0.05). Significant differences were found between the combination group and other groups in nerve conduction velocity, the remnant rate of gastrocnemius wet weight, the diameter and section area of gastrocnemius cells (P<0.05). The nerve fibers through the anastomotic site were significantly increased, with consistent thickness and arrangement and less neurodegeneration when observed 12 weeks after operation. In conclusion, the modified chitosan combined with methylprednisolone could significantly promote the sciatic nerve repair.