Abstract
Objective To observe the ultrastructural changes of various cell components in a nerve regeneration chamber during its regenerating process. Methods The sciatic nerve of the rat was transected at the mid - thigh level. Then the severed nerve was guided by a silicone tube to keep a 5 mm gap between both stumps. At various postoperative time, the tissue in the nerve regeneration chamber was taken out en bloc and cut into 1 mm which blocks for transmission electron microscopic observation. Results At the 7th day after the operation, the dominant components were monocytes, erythrocytes and fibrin. Macrophages containing myelinoid bodies and nascent fibroblasts were seen in the proximal 1st block and distal 5th block. Especially, unmyelinated nerve fibers enveloped by Schwann cells were observed in the 1st block. At the 14th day, both myelinated and unmyelinate nerve fibers were seen through the entire nerve regeneration chamber. A lot of fibroblasts, with rich endoplasmic reticulum and renewal capillaries were found in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th blocks at the same period. At day 28, 35, 42, nerve fibers of different maturity degree existed in all the blocks and developed into fasciculi which were wrapped by fibroblasts with interstitial collagen fibers. Conclusions In a severed peripheral nerve, regenerating axons appeared in the proximal end of the nerve regeneration chamber at the 7th postoperative day, and reached the distal end at the 14th day. The alteration of the components suggested that the nerve regeneration chamber forms a micro - environment favorable for nerve regeneration.
Published Version
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