Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the mode of donor transection is a critical factor affecting the efficacy of the contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the division modes of the CC7 nerve and cortical functional reorganization of Sprague-Dawley rats. We hypothesized that different methods of CC7 nerve transection might induce differences in cortical functional reorganization, thus resulting in differences in surgery efficacy. BDNF, TNF-α/IL-6, and miR-132/134 were selected as indicators of cortical functional reorganization. No significant differences in all these indicators were noted between the entire group and the entire root+posterior division group (P > 0.05). BDNF and miR-132/134 levels in the entire group and the entire root+posterior division group were significantly increased compared with their levels in the posterior group and the blank control group (P < 0.001). In all groups, BDNF, TNF-α/IL-6, and miR-132/134 levels in both hemispheres initially increased and subsequently decreased until week 40. In conclusion, this study provided the evidence of dynamic changes in BDNF, TNF-α/IL-6, and miR-132/134 in the cortex of rats after CC7 nerve transfer using different transecting modes, demonstrating that different CC7 nerve divisions might result in different surgical effects through modulation of cortical reorganization.
Highlights
Total brachial plexus injury (TBPI) is a devastating peripheral nerve injury, which can cause paralysis of the entire upper arm
After comparing the above two situations, we found that the amount of nerve fibers received by the median nerve when transferring the entire Contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root to two recipients is similar to that of transferring the hemi-CC7 nerve root to the median nerve alone
We found that brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of the posterior division group were greater than those in the blank control group (TBPI), which meant that BDNF levels were upregulated after the surgery to repair the injury and the cortical reorganization did happen after the CC7 nerve transfer
Summary
Total brachial plexus injury (TBPI) is a devastating peripheral nerve injury, which can cause paralysis of the entire upper arm. The efficacy of transferring the entire CC7 nerve root to repair the median nerve is better than that of transferring the hemi-CC7 nerve root [3,4,5,6]. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon involves transferring the whole CC7 nerve root to potentially provide more nerve fibers. These clinical studies inferred us that the amount of nerve fibers may not be the only factor affecting the nerve recovery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
