Use of sliced or minced peripheral nerve segments for nerve regeneration through a biodegradable nerve conduit: A preliminary study in the rat

Abstract

Background Using the rat sciatic nerve model, the difference in outcome using a nerve segment either sliced open or minced with a blade incorporated into a nerve conduit were compared and the relative effects upon the rate and completeness of the nerve regeneration was determined. Materials and Methods A 10‐mm gap was created in the rat sciatic nerve and bridged with a biodegradable nerve conduit. Segments of the resected nerve (2‐mm lengths) were prepared by either slicing the nerve with one longitudinal cut or by scalpel mincing of the nerve tissue, with insertion of the prepared nerve segment into the center of the conduit. Flow cytometry and Western blotting of these preparations were performed to measure viable cells and to examine the expression of Erk1/2 for neural regeneration potential with both treatments. in vivo nerve regeneration was evaluated at 2, 4, 8, and 20 weeks, using immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, muscle wet weight, and nerve conduction velocity determination. Results The sliced nerve group showed significantly greater Schwann cell migration with the subsequent axonal elongation at 4 weeks after implantation, in comparison to the minced nerve group and controls (unaltered conduit grafts). By 20 weeks anterior tibial muscle weight and nerve conduction velocity were also greater in the sliced nerve group in comparison to the other groups (p < .05). Conclusion These findings suggest that insertion of a sliced section of nerve into a biodegradable nerve conduit can shorten the time for and improve the quality of nerve regeneration.

Efficacy of sliced nerves of different thickness in a biodegradable nerve conduit to promote Schwann cell migration and axonal growth: An experimental study in the rat model

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the clinical potential for nerve regeneration using nerve conduits facilitated by Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and nerve segments. Though the role of nerve segments in biodegradable nerve conduit has been controversially discussed, our group validated that insertion of a sliced section of nerve into a biodegradable nerve conduit can shorten the time for and improve the quality of nerve regeneration (Nagumo et al, 2020). Previously, our in vivo study using biodegradable scaffolding with basic fibroblast growth factor slow‐release system demonstrated accelerated‐distance for vascular endothelial cells, Schwann cells, and axons (Fukuda et al, 2018).…”

Efficacy of collagen conduit wrapping with collagen fibers on nerve regeneration in sciatic nerve injury with partial transection: An experimental study in the rat model

“…5,6 Conduits filled with a scaffold, such as collagen, reportedly provided superior motor nerve recovery compared to hollow conduits. [7][8][9] PNI includes complete or partial transection, crushing, and chronic compression injuries. The usefulness of ANC and wrapping therapy has been proven for complete transection with defects and crush injury.…”

“…ANCs using collagen fibers in collagen conduits have been developed, 2–4 with good clinical results 5,6 . Conduits filled with a scaffold, such as collagen, reportedly provided superior motor nerve recovery compared to hollow conduits 7–9 . PNI includes complete or partial transection, crushing, and chronic compression injuries.…”