The Role of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives experimentally, peripheral nerve repair can be enhanced by Schwann cell (SC) transplantation but the clinical application is limited by donor site morbidity and the inability to generate a sufficient number of cells. We have investigated whether stem cells, isolated from adipose tissue, can enhance the regeneration of crushed sciatic nerves in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods we divided our rats into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II underwent crushing of their left sciatic nerves and were left for spontaneous recovery. Group III underwent crushing of their left sciatic nerves with local transplantation of ASCs around the injured nerve. We then compared the effect of spontaneous recovery versus local injection of ASCs in the regeneration of the nerves. Results The results were evaluated 4 weeks postoperative; sciatic nerves were stained by H&E, and immunohistochemically using S-100. The results showed a significant increase in axonal regeneration with the ASCs treated group compared to the spontaneous recovery one. Conclusion Our results suggested that ASCs have a beneficial role in treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Keywords ASCs, Sciatic nerve crush injury, S-100