Experimental study of facial nerve regeneration through polytetraflouroethylene tube with Schwann cells self-planted / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of using polytetraflouroethylene (e-PTFE) tube with self-Schwann cells implanted to repair facial nerve defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Enzymatic digest method was used to get pure Schwann cells in short time. The e-PTFE membrane tube was used to bridge the 1.0 cm defect of facial nerve and pure self-Schwann cells were injected into the tube. As control group, the e-PTFE tube without self-Schwann cells was used in the same way. Electric physiological and histological examinations were taken in different times.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effect of nerve regeneration of the experimental group was better than control group at any time. The nerve conduction velocity of the experimental group was 29.70 m/s in the 16th week, while the control groups was 23.00 m/s respectively at the same time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is possible to obtain sufficient active Schwann cells by enzymatic digest method. Using e-PTFE tube to bridge the defect of facial nerve with self-Schwann cells implanted can get effect of nerve regeneration.</p>