Further development of reconstructive and cell tissue-engineering technology for treatment of complete peripheral nerve injury in rats.
In this work we evaluated the efficacy of biodegradable composite co-polymer guiding neurotube, based on tissue-engineering technology, for the treatment of complete peripheral nerve injury where the nerve defect is significant. The right sciatic nerve of 12 three-month-old rats was completely transected and peripheral nerve segment was removed. A 2.2-cm biodegradable co-polymer neurotube containing viscous gel (NVR-N-Gel) with survival factors, neuroprotective agents and Schwann cells was placed between the proximal and the distal parts of the transected nerve for reconnection a 2-cm nerve defect. The proximal and distal parts of the nerve were fixed into the neurotube using 10-0 sutures. Ultrasound observation showed growth of the axons into the composite neurotube 2 months after the surgery. Electrophysiological study indicated compound muscle action potentials in nine out of 12 rats, 2-4 months after peripheral nerve reconstructive surgery. The postoperative follow-up (up to 4 months) on the operated rats that underwent peripheral nerve reconstruction using composite co-polymer neurotube, showed beginning of re-establishment of active foot movements. The tube was dissolved and nerve showed complete reconnection. Histological observation of the nerve showed growth of myelinated axons into the site where a 2-cm nerve defect replaced by composite co-polymer neurotube and into the distal part of the nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
(1) an innovative composite neurotube for reconstruction of significant loss of peripheral nerve segment is described; (2) a viscous gel, containing survival factors, neuroprotective agents and Schwann cells served as a regenerative environment for repair. Further investigations of this reconstructive procedure are being conducted.
Rochkind
Shimon
S
Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. rochkind@zahav.net.il
Astachov
Liliana
L
el-Ani
Dalia
D
Hayon
Tami
T
Graif
Moshe
M
Barsky
Lubov
L
Alon
Malvina
M
Odvak
Inbal
I
Nevo
Zvi
Z
Shahar
Abraham
A
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology; D020007:Implants, Experimental / Q000639:trends*; D008297:Male; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
D001672:Biocompatible Materials