An experimental study on repair of peripheral nerve injury by transplantation of microcapsulated NGF-expressing NIH 3T3 cells / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of promoting nerve regeneration by using microcapsulated NGF-expressing cells transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The plasmid pcDNA3. 1 + /NGF, containing rat NGF gene, was transfected into the NIH 3T3 cell by using FuGENE6 transfection reagent. The genetically modified cells expressing NGF gene were enclosed within the alginate-polylysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules and then cultured in vitro. The growth and NGF secretion of the cells were measured periodically. At the same time, these microcapsulated NGF-expressing cells were transplanted into the injured sciatic nerve. The regeneration and functional recovery of the nerve were evaluated in 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The microcapsulated cells had survived and secreted the NGF in three months in vitro. In the group with microcapsulated NGF-expressing cells, the number of the regenerated axons was in large and the nerve fibers were arranged regularly. Compared to other groups, there was less scar , edema and monocytes found at the stoma in the goup. The moter nerve conductive velocity, nerve muscle-action potential and SFI were improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The microcapsulated NGF-expressing cells could significantly enhance the nerve regeneration and reduce inflammatory response of xenograft.</p>