Tourniquet compression: a non-invasive method to enhance nerve regeneration in nerve grafts.
One hindlimb of a rat was subjected to tourniquet compression (150, 200 and 300 mmHg; 2 h). After 6 days a 10 mm sciatic or tibial nerve graft from the compressed limb was sutured to bridge a 3-4 mm gap in the sciatic nerve of the non-compressed limb. The distances of regenerating sensory axons were measured 6 days post surgery (tibial grafts, 8 days). Compression at 200 and 300 mmHg led to significantly longer regeneration distances than those seen in controls. Incorporation of BrdU and expression of p75 receptor by non-neuronal cells (Schwann cells) in sciatic nerves 6 days after compression (150 and 300 mmHg; 2 h) was also increased as a sign of Schwann cell activation. Tourniquet compression may be used as a non-invasive method to enhance nerve regeneration in nerve grafts.
Widerberg
Annika
A
Department of Hand Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
Kanje
Martin
M
Dahlin
Lars B
LB
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D014111:Tourniquets; D019737:Transplants
D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor