title: Fibrin/Schwann cell matrix in poly-epsilon-caprolactone conduits enhances guided nerve regeneration.
abstract: The goal of this study was to investigate if a three dimensional matrix, loaded homogeneously with Schwann cells and the neurotrophic factor LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor), enhances regeneration in a biodegradable nerve guidance channel as compared to non-structured cell suspensions. Therefore a 10 mm nerve gap in the buccal branch of the rat's facial nerve was bridged with tubular PCL (poly-epsilon-caprolactone) conduits filled with no matrix, Schwann cells, the three dimensional fibrin/Schwann cell matrix or the fibrin/Schwann cell matrix added with LIF Four weeks after the nerve defects were bridged histological and morphometric analyses of the implants were performed. In conclusion, the three dimensional fibrin/Schwann cells matrix enhanced the quantity and the quality of peripheral nerve regeneration through PCL conduits. The application of LIF prevented hyperneurotization. Therefore, tissue engineered fibrin/Schwann cells matrices are new invented biocompatible and biodegradable devices for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration as compared to non-structured cell suspensions without neurotrophic factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, ValleyTEC, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany. t.j.galla@dr-galla.de
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Galla
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Vedecnik
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halbgewachs
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Steinmann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Stark
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002208:Caproates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005337:Fibrin / Q000494:pharmacology; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D007783:Lactones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012016:Reference Values; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002208:Caproates; D007783:Lactones; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; C121056:caprolactone; D005337:Fibrin