Tissue engineered artificial nerves repair sciatic nerve defect in rats:an evaluation using horseradish peroxidase retrograde tracer technique

Zhang Cai-shun; Lv Gang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.29.012

Abstract：BACKGROUND:We have previously prepared acellular nerve graft and implanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into the graft, to successful y construct tissue engineered artificial nerves. <br> OBJECTIVE:Horseradish peroxidase nerve retrograde tracer technique was used to evaluate protective effects on sensory neurons fol owing sciatic nerve defect bridging with tissue engineered artificial nerves constructed by acellular nerve graft and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats. <br> METHODS:Adult, clean, healthy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three group:(1) Experimental group:Rat sciatic nerve detect was bridged by acellular nerve graft combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells;(2) Blank control group:Rat sciatic nerve defect was bridged by acellular nerve graft;(3) Autologous nerve control group:Rat sciatic nerve defect was bridged by autologous nerve transplantation. Regeneration of sensory neurons in the spinal dorsal root ganglia was assessed using horseradish peroxidase nerve retrograde tracer technique at 12 weeks fol owing surgery. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sensory neuron regeneration in the spinal dorsal root ganglia at 12 weeks fol owing surgery was better in the experimental group compared with blank control group. No significant difference was detected between experimental group and autologous nerve control group. S-100 immunohistochemical staining in plantar skin showed brown positive reaction in each group. These findings indicate that tissue engineered artificial nerves constructed by acellular nerve graft and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have protective effects on sensory neurons in the spinal dorsal root ganglia, and can promote the recovery of sensory function and repair sciatic nerve defect in rats.