Evaluation of early nerve regeneration using a polymeric membrane functionalized with nerve growth factor (NGF) after a crush lesion of the rat mental nerve.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate mental nerve regeneration in rats after a crush lesion by using a polymeric membrane functionalized with nerve growth factor (NGF).


METHODS
To evaluate the regeneration 1 month after the lesion, electrophysiological recordings of afferent neurograms were associated with a histologic analysis of neurons soma in the trigeminal ganglion using a retrograde fluorescent tracer. Three animal groups were used: uninjured rats (TEM), injured control rats without membrane (CONT), and injured rats with membrane containing NGF.


RESULTS
One month after the crush injury, an early regeneration was observed independently of exogenous NGF. However, in comparison with the level recorded before the lesion, the afferent activity was decreased by 28.5% in the CONT group, whereas it was increased by 30.8% in the NGF group. In comparison with the TEM group, a decrease in the mean number of labeled neurons was observed in the CONT group, whereas no significant difference was found after 1 month of NGF treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The exogenous application of NGF using a polymeric membrane improves mental nerve regeneration after a crush lesion.
Savignat
Mathilde
M
Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, place de Verdun, Université de Lille II, Lille, France. mathilde.savignat@univ-lille2.fr
Vodouhe
Constant
C
Ackermann
Alain
A
Haikel
Youssef
Y
Lavalle
Philippe
P
Libersa
Philippe
P
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004594:Electrophysiology; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009409:Nerve Crush; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000473:pathology; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000473:pathology; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries
D004337:Drug Carriers; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor