Use of a natural latex membrane for nerve grafting: an experimental study

Abstract

A membrane produced from a natural latex has been used successfully both experimentally (angioplasties, esophagus neoformation, reconstruction of the ocular conjuntive) and clinically (myringoplasties, treatment of skin ulcers), demonstrating angiogenic potential and leading to tissue neoformation. We evaluated the ability of this natural latex membrane in speeding up and improve the regeneration of sectioned sciatic nerve in rats. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided in 4 experimental groups (n=10 each) and operated with the auto‐scion or the interposition of a tube made up of that membrane derived from natural latex (Hevea Brasiliensis). After 4 or 8 weeks, animals were submitted to neurological function evaluation, pace evaluation and electromyography. Afterwards, the animals were killed and the nerves were processed for paraffin embedding and observation under light microscopy. Our results indicated that the rats operated with latex have a better recovery rate than the ones operated with autologous nerve duo to the higher use rates of the operated paw. Morphologically, the regenerative capacity of the latex membrane is larger than auto‐scion of the sciatic nerve in rats.Grant Funding Source : FAPESP, CNPq and FAEPA