Entubulation of sciatic nerve of rats with poly-l lactide-co p-lactide

Abstract

Introduction: Axonal regeneration after a sectioning lesion is variable and depends on the environmental conditions of the two end points. An important enzymatic action and an immune response occur at this point. The Schwann cell at the end of the proximal segment starts a rapid mitotic division in an attemptto locate the target tissue for the severed neuron. The capacity for axonal regeneration after a sectioning lesion is variable and depends on the environmental conditions of the two end points. Objective: To insulate the region of nerve regeneration from biological activities coming from foreign tissues, reducing the immune and enzymatic response and improving the healing conditions of the two end points. Methods: The sciatic nerves of the right paw of twenty WISTAR EPM rats were sectioned, with a gap of 5 to 8mm.In ten animals a 20mm Poly-L Lactide-Co P-Lactide tube involved both sectioned extremities,without nerve suture. After 6 months the animals were sacrificed, the nerve was dissected and photographed. The distal muscles of the paw were sent to histological examination. Results: All animals in which entubulation with Poly-L Lactide- Co P-Lactide was performed demonstrated an excellent nerveregeneration. Histological examination demonstrated complete muscle regeneration. In the animals not submitted to nerve entubulation no nerve regeneration was demonstrated and histological examination demonstrated severe muscle atrophy. Conclusions: Poly-L Lactide-Co P-Lactide entubulationdemonstrated satisfactory nerve regeneration without nerve suture after six months spam. Paw innervated muscles did not show any histological atrophic characteristics.