Regeneration of rat sciatic nerve inhanced by chemical acellular xenogeneous nerve grafts:a functional evaluation / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To observe the nerve regeneration and functional recovery in the adult rats.[Method]The sciatic nerves on the left side of 15 rats were exposed and 1.0 cm long segments of the nerves were removed from the mid-thigh level and replaced by rabbit nerve made acellular through chemical extraction.At 4 months after procedure,the nerve regeneration and function recovery were examined with HE staining,NF-160 immunohistochemical staining,electrophysiological tests and sciatic functional index(SFI).[Result]In the rats repaired by acellular nerves,regenerated axons re-entered into the acellular xeno-nerve segments without excessive sign of inflammation following implantation.As stimuling(1.5 mA,0.1 ms,1.0 Hz) to the proximal sciatic nerves,the implanted segment resulted in motor evoked potentials,which were recorded from posterior tibial muscles.SFI showed a partial recovery of locomotion of the limb with sciatic nerve defect.[Conclusion]Sciatic nerves defect can be repaired by chemical acellular xenogeneous nerves in rats.There was partial functional recovery,which revealed the grafting with chemical acellular xenogeneous nerves may be a promising mehod for nerve defect in clinical.