title: Introduction of neurosupportive cells into processed acellular nerve allografts results in greater number and more even distribution when injected compared to soaking techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Processing necessary to remove immunogenic components of nerve allograft renders it acellular. Seeding with supportive cells may improve axon regeneration. We aim to identify the method associated with implantation of the greatest volume and most even distribution of cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hypodermic needle injection was compared to soaking in solution under both normal and pressurized conditions after micropuncture of the allograft. Distribution within the allograft was measured using an in vitro model of fluorescent beads, as well as cultured Schwann cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Injection treatment resulted in larger volumes and a more uniform cross-sectional distribution of implanted cells. Beads and cells behaved similarly relative to the measured outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Injection instills more cells in a more uniform distribution. In vivo testing may evaluate whether these techniques vary relative to cell survival, cell migration, and clinical outcomes. Size- and concentration-matched fluorescent beads may represent a viable model for analyzing cell implantation.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: Gaurangkumar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Isaacs
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McMurtry
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.affiliation: a Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center , Richmond , VA , USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Daner
mesh_terms: D064591:Allografts; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000637:transplantation*; D016378:Tissue Transplantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Cold-preserved processed acellular human nerve allograft; cell delivery; in vitro model; microneedle; neuro-supportive cells