Sciatic nerve regeneration across gaps within collagen chambers: the influence of epidermal growth factor.
The effects of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) on axonal regeneration of a sectioned sciatic nerve within collagen tubes were investigated in 15 rats. Following baseline electrophysiologic assessment, bilateral 7-mm nerve gaps were created and repaired by interposition of collagen tubes, into which EGF (left side) or type I collagen (right side) was instilled. After 4 or 8 weeks, axonal regeneration, measured by electrophysiologic and histologic means, was identical for the EGF and control legs. The conclusion is that EGF does not influence nerve regeneration within a collagen chamber.
Dubuisson
A S
AS
Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
Beuermann
R W
RW
Kline
D G
DG
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009431:Neural Conduction; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D003094:Collagen