A Rabbit Model for Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction Studies Avoiding Automutilation Behavior

Abstract

Background The rabbit sciatic nerve injury model may represent a valuable alternative for critical gap distance seen in humans but often leads to automutilation. In this study, we modified the complete sciatic nerve injury model for avoiding autophagy. Materials and Methods In 20 adult female New Zealand White rabbits, instead of transecting the complete sciatic nerve, we unilaterally transected the tibial portion and preserved the peroneal portion. Thereby loss of sensation in the dorsal aspect of the paw was avoided. The tibial portion was repaired in a reversed autograft approach in a length of 2.6 cm. In an alternative repair approach, a gap of 2.6 cm in length was repaired with a chitosan-based nerve guide. Results During the 6-month follow-up period, there were no incidents of autotomy. Nerve regeneration of the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was evaluated histologically and morphometrically. A clear difference between the distal segments of the healthy contralateral and the repaired tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was detectable, validating the model. Conclusion By transecting the isolated tibial portion of the rabbit sciatic nerve and leaving the peroneal portion intact, it was possible to eliminate automutilation behavior.

Bioelectronic Medicine: a multidisciplinary roadmap from biophysics to precision therapies

“…Mid-size animals such as rabbits, cats, and dogs have more complex brain functions than rodents and may be used for specialized testing such as sleep studies for cats or studies on the heart for dogs ( Pinnapureddy et al, 2015 ; Sánchez-León et al, 2018 ), whereas rabbits have been used extensively in peripheral nerve injury and repair studies ( Kim et al, 2020 ; Koppaka et al, 2022 ; Sorkin et al, 2022 ). Non-human primates (NHP), with complex brain functions most similar to humans, offer advantages for brain imaging studies, however are costly and may be difficult to procure ( Milham et al, 2020 ; Song et al, 2021 ; Hartig et al, 2023 ; Suminski et al, 2023 ).…”

Nerve Reconstruction Using ActiGraft Blood Clot in Rabbit Acute Peripheral Injury Model: Preliminary Study

“…Experimental Design and Surgical Technique: The operation on the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was carried out on the left hindlimb. We used a recently published rabbit model for peripheral nerve reconstruction, which prevents the autophagy that often happens in rabbits after experimental sciatic nerve injury [28]. The rabbit was put in a prone position, the hindlimbs were abducted, and the skin over the lateral and caudal aspects of the limb up to the lumbar midline was sheared.…”