Role of extracellular matrix components in facial nerve regeneration: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of extracellular matrix components in nerve regeneration. Matrigel, a complex of extracellular matrix components such as laminin (the most abundant) heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG), type IV collagen and fibronectin, was used.


METHODS
Forty male rabbits, which had undergone section of the right facial nerve, were later treated by reinnervation through an artificial graft of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). In 20 animals the tubes of ePTFE were filled with Matrigel; in 20 control animals the tubes were filled with saline solution.


RESULTS
The Matrigel group showed a better axonal organization and a significantly higher number of regenerated axons in the early phases (at days 15 and 30 respectively) than the control group, whereas the difference of the axons number at day 60 was less significant; besides, the axon diameter and the myelin thickness were not significantly improved by Matrigel.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that Matrigel is an important factor in promoting and enhancing the early phases of the regeneration after nerve injuries. Tree neurite promoting agents, such as laminin, fibronectin and collagen, allow a more systematic and agonized regeneration. Extracellular matrix components may represent a direction guidance for axonal pathway.
Donzelli
Renato
R
Department of Neurosurgery, University 'Federico II' School of Medicine, Naples, Italy. donzelli@unina.it
Maiuri
Francesco
F
Piscopo
Gennaro Andrea
GA
de Notaris
Matteo
M
Colella
Andrea
A
Divitiis
Enricode
E
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003094:Collagen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007797:Laminin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D007797:Laminin; D011509:Proteoglycans; C059485:matrigel; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D003094:Collagen