Coculture of elongated neuron axon with poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) biomembrane in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To elongate human nerve axon in culture and search for suitable support matrices for peripheral nervous system transplantation.


METHODS
Human embryo cortical neuronal cells, seeded on poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) membrane scaffolds, were elongated with a self-made neuro-axon extending device. The growth and morphological changes of neuron axons were observed to measure axolemmal permeability after elongation. Neurofilament protein was stained by immunohistochemical technique.


RESULTS
Human embryo neuron axon could be elongated and cultured on the PLGA membrane and retain their normal form and function.


CONCLUSIONS
Three dimensional scaffolds with elongated neuron axon have the basic characteristics of artificial nerves, indicating a fundemental theory of nerve repair with elongated neuron axon.
Cheng
Biao
B
Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Chen
Zheng-rong
ZR
D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000637:transplantation*; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019344:Lactic Acid; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid