Application of neural stem cells in tissue-engineered artificial nerve.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the curative effect of neural stem cells (NSCs), which are used in tissue-engineered artificial nerve, on repairing rabbit 10-mm facial nerve defects.


METHODS
Thirty-six Oryctolagus cuniculi were randomly divided into three groups (each group with 12 Oryctolagus cuniculi). In group A, chitosan conduit, collagen protein sponge, nerve growth factor (NGF), and NSCs were used. In group B, chitosan conduit, collagen sponge, and NGF were used. In group C, nerve autograft was performed. Electrophysiologic detection, histologic observation, and BrdU and S100 immunohistochemical examination were performed 12 weeks after operation.


RESULTS
All observation items in group A were better than those in group B (P < 0.01), and there were no significant differences between group A and group C (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
NSCs may be served as seed cells of peripheral nerve tissue engineering and be used in artificial nerve to repair facial nerve defects.
Guo
Bao-Feng
BF
Department of Otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Dong
Ming-Min
MM
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D021522:Bioartificial Organs; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D048271:Chitosan; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000379:methods*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D048271:Chitosan