Abstract
BackgroundLarge gap healing is a difficult issue in the recovery of peripheral nerve injury. The present study provides in vivo trials of silicone rubber chambers filled with collagen containing IFN-γ or IL-4 to bridge a 15 mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Fillings of NGF and normal saline were used as the positive and negative controls. Neuronal electrophysiology, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, location and expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and histology of the regenerated nerves were evaluated.ResultsAt the end of 6 weeks, animals from the groups of NGF and IL-4 had dramatic higher rates of successful regeneration (100 and 80%) across the wide gap as compared to the groups of IFN-γ and saline controls (30 and 40%). In addition, the NGF group had significantly higher NCV and shorter latency compared to IFN-γ group (P < 0.05). The IL-4 group recruited significantly more macrophages in the nerves as compared to the saline controls and the NGF-treated animals (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that NGF and IL-4 show potential growth-promoting capability for peripheral nerve regeneration. These fillings in the bridging conduits may modulate local inflammatory conditions affecting recovery of the nerves.
Highlights
Large gap healing is a difficult issue in the recovery of peripheral nerve injury
Nerve regeneration success rates Firstly, we noted that the gross examination of the silicone rubber chambers at 6 weeks revealed much higher rates of successful regeneration in the nerve growth factor (NGF) and IL-4 groups (Table 1), at 100% (10 of 10, p = 0.0054) and 80% (8 of 10, p = 0.0849) compared to the saline group (40%, 4 of 10)
Electrophysiological measurements Significant differences were seen in the neurophysiological changes in the increasing Conductive nerve velocity (NCV) and the reducing latency of NGF group, compared to IFN-γ group (Fig. 1a and b)
Summary
The present study provides in vivo trials of silicone rubber chambers filled with collagen containing IFN-γ or IL-4 to bridge a 15 mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. The techniques involving use of artificial tubes to bridge a severed nerve provide a means for studying these regenerative processes directly [2,3,4,5]. The current study assessing the large gap repair of nerve of more than 15 mm in rat sciatic nerve regeneration cuffing model is necessary to fully reveal the benefits of using bridging tubes, since the inherent regenerative capacity of the peripheral nervous system in animals is quite efficient over short gaps. The immune system has been demonstrated to have important functions during nerve regeneration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
