A sciatic nerve gap-injury model in the rabbit

Abstract

There has been an increased number of studies of nerve transection injuries with the sciatic nerve gap-injury model in the rabbit in the past 2 years. We wanted to define in greater detail what is needed to test artificial nerve guides in a sciatic nerve gap-injury model in the rabbit. We hope that this will help investigators to fully exploit the robust translational potential of the rabbit sciatic nerve gap-injury model in its capacity to test devices whose diameter and length are in the range of those commonly applied in hand and wrist surgery (diameter ranging between 2 and 4 mm; length up to 30 mm). We suggest that the rabbit model should replace the less translational rat model in nerve regeneration research. The rabbit sciatic model, however, requires an effective strategy to prevent and control self-mutilation of the foot in the postoperative period, and to prevent pressure ulcers.

Novel Tissue-Engineered Multimodular Hyaluronic Acid-Polylactic Acid Conduits for the Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve Defect

“…The HA conduits had a great capacity to absorb water, and the dimensions of the swollen HA conduits were 5.9 ± 0.1 mm in internal diameter and 10.1 ± 0.6 mm in external diameter, with a swelling ratio of 1.4 ± 0.3. The diameter of the rabbit sciatic nerve is comprised between 2 and 4 mm [66,71]. Thus, the internal diameter of HA conduits in the swollen state is big enough to avoid a possible compression of the nerve.…”

“…We initially characterized our bioengineered constructs in vitro to ensure they had the necessary properties for in vivo implantation. The animal model consisted of a critical-size (15 mm) sciatic nerve defect in the rabbit, which is an animal model that is more translational for nerve regeneration research than a rat model, and allows for testing larger NGC [66]. The effects of repair and regeneration were evaluated over a period of 6 months using several histology techniques.…”

Nerve Injury Model in Rabbits: Benefits and Pitfalls

“…Although relatively common, the use of the rabbit model in sciatic nerve injury studies still presents many gaps in the literature outlining specific techniques for success. A recent study by Merolli et al investigated the sciatic nerve gap-injury model in rabbits and provided greater detail for nerve-gap repairs in this animal model [19]. In the clinical setting, peripheral nerve injuries may require an artificial device called a "nerve conduit" placed over the nerve to aid in the regeneration of the nerve.…”

“…In this case, the rabbit model can be instrumental given their relatively larger sciatic nerve and general ease of handling compared to other higher species animal models. Merolli et al successfully introduced a novel method for transecting the nerve in a uniform and timely manner [19]. Despite the higher regulatory standards for the use of rabbits in experimental studies, the authors still believe that the higher translational potential of this animal model outweighs the higher standard of care.…”