Peroneal nerve reconstruction by using glycerol-preserved veins: histological and functional assessment in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the degree of neural regeneration in rats upon interposition of autologous nerve graft, autogenous vein, glycerol-preserved autogenous vein, and glycerol-preserved allogeneic vein using qualitative and quantitative histological analyses as well as functional assessments.


METHODS
Peroneal nerves were reconstructed differently in four groups of animals. Functional assessments were performed pre- and postoperatively for a period of six weeks. After six weeks, the animals were sacrificed and histological evaluations were performed.


RESULTS
Histological patterns of autogenous veins without preservation showed pronounced neoangiogenesis and extensive axonal rarefaction, as confirmed by axonal counting and functional assessments. Glycerol-preserved veins had results similar to the control.


CONCLUSIONS
Glycerol-preserved autogenous or allogeneic veins showed similar results to autograft results. The autogenous vein (without preservation in glycerol) presented histological and functional outcomes statistically lower than other groups.
Posgraduate Program in Medicine, Surgical Clinic, USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil. armandocunha@hotmail.com
Armando dos Santos
Ados S
Cunha
Marcio Paulino
MP
Costa
Ciro Ferreira da
CF
Silva
D000818:Animals; D005990:Glycerol; D006652:Histological Techniques; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000637:transplantation*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D051381:Rats; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
D005990:Glycerol