title: Structural parameters of collagen nerve grafts influence peripheral nerve regeneration.
abstract: Large nerve defects require nerve grafts to allow regeneration. To avoid donor nerve problems the concept of tissue engineering was introduced into nerve surgery. However, non-neuronal grafts support axonal regeneration only to a certain extent. They lack viable Schwann cells which provide neurotrophic and neurotopic factors and guide the sprouting nerve. This experimental study used the rat sciatic nerve to bridge 2 cm nerve gaps with collagen (type I/III) tubes. The tubes were different in their physical structure (hollow versus inner collagen skeleton, different inner diameters). To improve regeneration Schwann cells were implanted. After 8 weeks the regeneration process was monitored clinically, histologically and morphometrically. Autologous nerve grafts and collagen tubes without Schwann cells served as control. In all parameters autologous nerve grafts showed best regeneration. Nerve regeneration in a noteworthy quality was also seen with hollow collagen tubes and tubes with reduced lumen, both filled with Schwann cells. The inner skeleton, however, impaired nerve regeneration independent of whether Schwann cells were added or not. This indicates that not only viable Schwann cells are an imperative prerequisite but also structural parameters determine peripheral nerve regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Neurobiology, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stang
authors.forename: Hisham
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fansa
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reppin
authors.forename: Gerburg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Keilhoff
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism; D024061:Collagen Type III / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007249:Inflammation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D009431:Neural Conduction; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D012038:Regeneration; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D024042:Collagen Type I; D024061:Collagen Type III; D003094:Collagen