The effect of human amniotic epithelial cells on regeneration of rat sciatic nerve: an experimental study

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of human amniotc epithelial cells (HAECs) on regeneration of rat sciatic nerve. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into two groups, the HAECs group and control group. Each group was further divided into two week group and four week group, with 15 rats each. The sciatic nerve was cut and the regeneration chamber was created. The HAECs were implanted into the regeneration chamber in the HAECs group and normal saline was injected into the regeneration chamber in the control group.Electro-physiological and the histological study was done at two weeks and four weeks after the surgery. The results of nerve conduction study and HE staining of regenerating nerve fibers were analyzed statistically.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at two weeks post-operatively.At four weeks, the experimental group showed significantly higher nerve conduction velocity and amplitude of evoked potentials comparing to those of the control group. Nerve fibers and inflammatory granulation tissue was seen near the lesion site by HE staining in the control group, whereas the HAECs group showed more integrated nerve fihers and mature myelination distal to the lesion site. Conclusion The application of human amniotic epithelial cells may enhance nerve regeneration in rats. Key words: Sciatic nerve; Nerve regeneration; Models, animal; Human amniotic epithelial cells