Abstract
AbstractThe rat sciatic nerve was transected mid-thigh and grafted with a silicone tube, the central 10 mm of which was filled with a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) matrix. The rats were grafted contralaterally with empty silicone tubes as controls. The earliest compound muscle action potentials (CMAP's) at the plantar muscles were recorded around 11 weeks. After 30 weeks, the distal motor latencies recovered to about 50% higher than normal, the conduction velocity to about 50% normal, and the amplitudes of the CMAP's to about 50% normal. Of 7 rats in this study, all 7 nerves grafted with the CG matrix exhibited recovery, while only 1 grafted with the empty tube exhibited recovery. The CG matrix therefore appears to promote functional nerve regeneration across extended distances.
Published Version
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