Effect of local administration of fibroblastic growth factor with chitosan conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration: a rat sciatic nerve transection model

Abstract

Technological advances in diagnostic imaging, neurosurgical instrumentation, and the use of a surgical microscope have resulted in pronounced improvements in the diagnosis and repair of transected peripheral nerves. Effect of local fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on nerve regeneration was assessed. Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 20), randomly: In transected group, left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In treatment group, defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with 10 μL FGF. In chitosan conduit (CHIT) group, the conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In normal control group, sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied in a 12-week period. Behavioral, functional, electrophysiological, and gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in CHIT/FGF than in CHIT group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in CHIT/FGF were more positive than that in CHIT group. FGF improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. It could be considered as an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair in practice.