Abstract
Application of a Hyaff11‐based nerve guide was studied in rats. Functional tests were performed to study motor nerve recovery. A withdrawal reflex test was performed to test sensory recovery. Morphology was studied by means of histology on explanted tissue samples. Motor nerve recovery was established within 7 weeks. Hereafter, some behavioral parameters like alternating steps showed an increase in occurence, while others remained stable. Sensory function was observed within the 7 weeks time frame. Nerve tissue had bridged the 10‐mm gap within 7 weeks. The average nerve fiber surface area increased significantly in time. In situ degradation of the nerve conduit was fully going on at week 7 and tubes had collapsed by then. At weeks 15 and 21, the knitted tube wall structure was completely surrounded by macrophages and giant cells, and matrix was penetrating the tube wall. We conclude that a Hyaff11‐based nerve guide can be used to bridge short peripheral nerve defects in rat. However, adaptations need to be made.
Highlights
Esterified hyaluronan derivatives (Hyaff11) promise to be suitable candidates for application in pharmaceutical and medical science (Davidson et al 1991; Joshi et al 1992; Galassi et al 2000; Avitabile et al 2001)
Hyaff11 materials have been the subject of investigation on cytotoxicity and biocompatibility (Benedetti et al 1993; Campoccia et al 1996), and earlier we showed that the Hyaff11-based nerve guide has no cytotoxic effects in vitro and shows good biocompatibility/biodegradation in vivo (Jansen et al, unpublished data)
We examine the application of the Hyaff11-based nerve guide in situ, crossing a 1-cm gap in the rat sciatic nerve
Summary
Esterified hyaluronan derivatives (Hyaff11) promise to be suitable candidates for application in pharmaceutical and medical science (Davidson et al 1991; Joshi et al 1992; Galassi et al 2000; Avitabile et al 2001). Hyaff (with benzyl alcohol 100% esterified hyaluronan) is a good carrier for keratinocytes to be grafted onto skin wounds (Andreassi 1995; Zacchi et al 1998), while fibroblasts and chondroblasts can be grown on Hyaff biomaterials (Zacchi et al 1998; Galassi et al 2000; Grigolo et al 2001). We examine the application of the Hyaff11-based nerve guide in situ, crossing a 1-cm gap in the rat sciatic nerve. In situ biodegradation, nerve fiber restoration, and functional repair were examined at 7, 15 and 21 weeks after implantation
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