An autologously generated platelet-rich plasma suturable membrane may enhance peripheral nerve regeneration after neurorraphy in an acute injury model of sciatic nerve neurotmesis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of suturable platelet-rich plasma (PRP) membrane to promote peripheral nerve regeneration after neurotmesis and neurorraphy.


METHODS
A total of 36 rats were used: 32 animals underwent surgery and were split in two groups. An interim sacrifice was performed at 6 weeks postsurgery and final sacrifice at 12 weeks; four animals did not sustain nerve injury and served as control. Clinical, electromyographic (EMG), gross, and histological changes were assessed. The EMG signal was evaluated for its amplitude and frequency spectrum. Number of regenerating fibers, their diameter, and myelin thickness were histologically analyzed.


RESULTS
Both EMG parameters showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect of treatment at 6 and 12 weeks postsurgery. At 6 weeks, the fiber density was statistically different between treated and untreated animals with a higher observed density in treated nerves. No difference in fiber density was observed at 12 weeks postsurgery. The distribution of fiber diameters showed an effect at 12 weeks when only the sections of the nerves sutured with PRP showed fibers with diameters greater than 6 µm.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that the application of a PRP fibrin membrane around the neurorraphy improves the nerve regeneration process in a rat sciatic nerve model. The use of PRP as a suturable membrane could perform an action not only as a source of bioactive proteins but also as a nerve guide to hold the scar reaction and thus improve axonal regeneration.
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Elisabetta
E
Giannessi
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Alessandra
A
Coli
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Maria Rita
MR
Stornelli
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Vincenzo
V
Miragliotta
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Andrea
A
Pirone
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Carla
C
Lenzi
Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
Silvia
S
Burchielli
Department of Information Engineering, Center "E. Piaggio," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Giovanni
G
Vozzi
Department of Information Engineering, Center "E. Piaggio," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Carmelo
C
De Maria
Department of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and Hand Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy.
Margherita
M
Giorgetti
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology
D008567:Membranes, Artificial