title: Chapter 4: Methods and protocols in peripheral nerve regeneration experimental research: part I-experimental models.
abstract: This paper addresses several basic issues that are important for the experimental model design to investigate peripheral nerve regeneration. First, the importance of carrying out adequate preliminary in vitro investigation is emphasized in light of the ethical issues and with particular emphasis on the concept of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) for limiting in vivo animal studies. Second, the various options for the selection of the animal species for nerve regeneration research are reviewed. Third, the two main experimental paradigms of nerve lesion (axonotmesis vs. neurotmesis followed by microsurgical reconstruction) are critically outlined and compared. Fourth, the various nerve models that have most commonly been employed are overviewed focusing in particular on forearm mixed nerves and on behavioural tests for assessing their function: the ulnar test and the grasping test which is useful for assessing both median and radial nerves in the rat. Finally, the importance of considering the influence of various factors and diseases which could interfere with the nerve regeneration process is emphasized in the perspective of a wider adoption of experimental models which more closely mimic the environmental and clinical conditions found in patients.
authors.affiliation: Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopedics, C.T.O. Hospital, Turin 10126, Italy.
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tos
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ronchi
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papalia
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sallen
authors.forename: Josette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Legagneux
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geuna
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Giacobini-Robecchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003714:Denervation; D005552:Forelimb / Q000294:innervation; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*