[Experimental study of facial nerve regeneration through polytetraflouroethylene tube with Schwann cells self-planted].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of using polytetraflouroethylene (e-PTFE) tube with self-Schwann cells implanted to repair facial nerve defect.


METHODS
Enzymatic digest method was used to get pure Schwann cells in short time. The e-PTFE membrane tube was used to bridge the 1.0 cm defect of facial nerve and pure self-Schwann cells were injected into the tube. As control group, the e-PTFE tube without self-Schwann cells was used in the same way. Electric physiological and histological examinations were taken in different times.


RESULTS
The effect of nerve regeneration of the experimental group was better than control group at any time. The nerve conduction velocity of the experimental group was 29.70 m/s in the 16th week, while the control groups was 23.00 m/s respectively at the same time.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to obtain sufficient active Schwann cells by enzymatic digest method. Using e-PTFE tube to bridge the defect of facial nerve with self-Schwann cells implanted can get effect of nerve regeneration.
Xu
Xin
X
Zhang
Xue-Guang
XG
Ma
Yue
Y
Sun
Shan-Zhen
SZ
D005154:Facial Nerve; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D012583:Schwann Cells