Collagen nerve conduits promote enhanced axonal regeneration, schwann cell association, and neovascularization compared to silicone conduits.
Peripheral nerve regeneration within guidance conduits involves a critical association between regenerating axons, Schwann cells (SCs), and neovascularization. However, it is currently unknown if there is a greater association between these factors in nonpermeable versus semipermeable nerve guide conduits. We therefore examined this collaboration in both silicone- and collagen-based nerve conduits in both 5- and 10-mm-injury gaps in rat sciatic nerves. Results indicate that collagen conduits promoted enhanced axonal and SC regeneration and association when compared to silicone conduits in the shorter 5-mm-gap model. In addition, collagen tubes displayed enhanced neovascularization over silicone conduits, suggesting that these three factors are intimately related in successful peripheral nerve regeneration. At later time points (1- and 2-month analysis) in a 10-mm-gap model, collagen tubes displayed enhanced axonal regeneration, myelination, and vascularization when compared to silicone-based conduits. Results from these studies suggest that regenerating cables within collagen-based conduits are revascularized earlier and more completely, which in turn enhances peripheral nerve regeneration through these nerve guides as compared to silicone conduits.
Kemp
Stephen W P
SW
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. skem@ucalgary.ca
Syed
Shahbaz
S
Walsh
Walsh
W
Zochodne
Douglas W
DW
Midha
Rajiv
R
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D012828:Silicones / Q000378:metabolism*; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D012828:Silicones; D003094:Collagen