title: Vascularized nerve grafts: an experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to define an experimental model in order to promote the functional recovery of the nerves using grafts with vascular support (Vascular Nerve Grafts - VNG). The aim of this study is to define, on an experimental model in normal recipient bed, whether the functional recovery with VNG is superior to that obtained non-vascularized graft (NNG).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty male rabbits, which underwent dissection of sciatic nerve, were later treated by reinnervation through an autograft. In 10 animals the reconstruction of sciatic nerve was realized with VNG; in 10 control animals the reconstruction of sciatic nerve was realized with NNG.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The VNG group showed a better axonal organization and a significantly higher number of regenerated axons in the early phases (after 30 days) than the NNG group, whereas the difference in the axonal number at day 90 was less significant; besides, the axon diameter and the myelin thickness were not significantly improved by VNG group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data suggests that the use of VNG leads to a faster regeneration process and a better functional recovery, although the final results are comparable to those of the NNG. VNG improve the quality of the axonal regeneration (axonal diameter and Schwann cells), although the increase in the axonal number is not significant and does not improve the long-term functional outcome.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Donzelli
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Crescenzo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Capone
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco Giovanni
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Sgulò
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mariniello
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maiuri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D017348:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods
keywords: Autograft, Nerve regeneration; Peripheral nerve recovery; Reinnervation; Vascular nerve grafts