[An experimental study on protective effects of Schwann cell cooperation with ECM gel to neurons in rat dorsal root ganglion].
OBJECTIVE
To research the protective effect of Schwann cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) gel on neurons in dorsal root ganglion.


METHODS
1. Schwann cells were seeded into 30% ECM at 1 x 10(8)/ml and then implanted into PLA hollow fiber conduits to repair 10 mm length defects of rat sciatic nerve, and histological observation was taken at 8 and 12 weeks after operation. 2. To observe the survival of Schwann cells, Schwann cells labeled BrdU were seeded into 30% ECM at 1 x 10(8)/ml and then implanted into PLA hollow fiber conduits to repair 10 mm length defects of rat sciatic nerve. Histological observation and immunohistochemical method stained with BrdU were done at 3 and 6 weeks after operation.


RESULTS
1. When seeded into ECM gel and transplanted into rats, most of the Schwann cells survived to 3 weeks and a part of them survived up to 6 weeks. 2. The survival neuron ratios of Schwann cells with ECM gel group and ECM gel group were 83.5% and 81.3% respectively, and significantly higher than that of saline group (72.9%, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
When seeded into ECM gel and transplanted into rats, most of the Schwann cells survive and protect 83.5% neurons in dorsal root ganglion from retrograde death.
Wang
Guang-lin
GL
Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, P. R. China, 610041.
Yang
Zhi-ming
ZM
Lin
Wei
W
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000166:cytology / Q000601:surgery*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D023822:Tissue Engineering