Acellular muscle with Schwann-cell implantation: an alternative biologic nerve conduit

Denatured or acellular muscle grafts are known to support axonal regeneration. With increasing gap length, failure of regeneration is evident, due to the lack of viable Schwann cells in the graft. The authors created a biologic nerve conduit, in a rat sciatic nerve model, by implanting cultured Schwann cells into an acellular gracilis muscle. Autologous nerve grafts and acellular muscle grafts without Schwann cells served as controls. After 6 weeks, regeneration was assessed clinically, histologically, and morphometrically. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that the implanted Schwann cells remained viable within the graft. Good regeneration was noted in the muscle-Schwann cell group, while regeneration in the muscle grafts without Schwann cells was significantly impaired. The muscle-Schwann cell graft demonstrated systematic and organized regeneration, including the proper orientation of regenerated fibers. The number of axons regenerating through the muscle-Schwann cell grafts was significantly increased, compared with the acellular muscle without Schwann cells. Implantation of Schwann cells into acellular muscle thus provided a biologic conduit with large basal lamina tubes, as a pathway for regenerating axons. The positive effects of Schwann cells, producing neurotrophic and neurotropic factors, supported axonal regeneration.     

Morphological and functional evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microprosthesis.

The aim of our study was to evaluate in the rat the ability of a polytetrafluoroethylene microprosthesis (PTFE), to guide the peripheral nerve regeneration between the two extremities of a transected sciatic nerve. In 15 adult male Wistar rats, weighing 200 g, a segment of the right sciatic nerve was resected, leaving a gap of about 1 cm, bridged with microprosthesis, using our original microsurgical technique. Neurophysiological evaluations were performed at 6 and 9 months post-operatively to study the distal motor latency either in the right sciatic nerve or in the unoperated control side. In all the rats myoelectrical responses with an increased latency of the operated side were produced from the interosseous muscle of the foot. The animals were sacrificed 9 months post surgery. Histological sections at the level of the graft were done in all the rats, and in 10 animals biopsies of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) of each side were performed. An active process of axonal regeneration was documented inside the graft, with no infiltration of nerve fibers through the wall of the prosthesis. A connective fibrous reaction was present around the external wall of the graft. Muscle biopsies showed definite signs of muscle reinnervation, with residual features of variable degree of denervation. These findings stress and confirm the ability of the PTFE graft to allow effective regeneration in a peripheral nerve gap in the rat.     

Bridging critical nerve defects through an acellular homograft seeded with autologous schwann cells obtained from a regeneration neuroma of the proximal stump

Over the last decade, several models have investigated the usefulness of different biologic and/or synthetic matrices as alternatives to conventional nerve grafts. Still, axonal regeneration did not occur over longer (> 3 cm) distances. One problem may be that a growth-promoting environment not only includes physical cues but also a rich spectrum of different growth factors only provided by reactive Schwann cells. In the current study, we investigated whether a hybrid graft consisting of first-generation autologous Schwann cells seeded onto an acellular auto- or homograft can aid regeneration across a critical nerve defect in a rat model. In this paradigm, Schwann cells were not expanded in vitro but harvested from the proximal stump neuroma at the time of reconstruction and seeded into either an acellular homo- or autograft. Regeneration was then quantitated with functional muscle testing, regular histology, histomorphometry, and retrograde tracing techniques 12 weeks after reconstruction. Results showed successful regeneration over the entire distance regardless of whether Schwann cells were transplanted onto auto- or homologous acellular matrix. Schwann cells did populate both grafts; however, only sensory axons persisted through the entire distance. The functional outcome was dismal with no motor and poor sensory recovery. Control group C with homologous matrix only without Schwann cells showed no signs of directed axonal regeneration. Control group D with autologous reverse graft showed excellent recovery, as was expected. The present experiment sought to create a hybrid graft where the proximal stump neuroma is used as a biological resource for autologous Schwann cells that are seeded unto an acellular matrix, thus providing both physical and chemical support to regenerating axons. The results are encouraging in that successful regeneration was observed over the entire distance; however, only sensory axons had enough regenerative potential to also make end-organ contact. For motor axons, further refinements in conduit preparation have to be done.     

Host responses after acellular muscle basal lamina allografting used as a matrix for tissue engineered nerve grafts1

BACKGROUND: A nerve gap must be bridged by autologous nerve grafts that serve as scaffold and consist of viable Schwann cells that promote regeneration. Owing to the necessary immunosuppression, nerve allografts remain limited to special cases. Alternatively, tissue engineering of peripheral nerves focuses on the implantation of cultured Schwann cells into suitable scaffolds. We established grafts from Schwann cells and basal lamina from acellular muscles. These grafts offer a regeneration that is comparable to autologous nerve grafts. METHODS: Using a rat model (DALEW.1W strain), the present study evaluates the host response to acellular muscle allografts by assessing cellular reaction major histocompatability (MHC) class I and II, lymphocytes, macrophages. The results were compared to untreated muscle allografts. RESULTS: Macroscopically, the untreated muscles showed a strong inflammatory reaction as a sign of rejection, whereas the acellular muscle offered only minor reactions in the periphery of the graft. Expression of MHC I and II and invasion of CD4/CD8 positive cells and macrophages was pronounced after grafting the untreated muscles. Only a moderate reaction was noted for these parameters after acellular grafting. CONCLUSIONS: The acellular muscle graft is not completely free of cellular response; however the reaction is considered to be moderate and is located only in the periphery. To date, synthetic scaffolds that represent endoneurial tube-like structures and allow sufficient adhesion of Schwann cells and axonal regeneration are not available. The decreased response to acellular muscle allografts offers at least a basis for further experiments.     

去细胞异种神经复合神经生长因子修复神经缺损的实验研究

目的 应用含有神经生长因子(NGF)的去细胞异种神经基膜管作为神经移植替代物桥接大鼠坐骨神经缺损,观察其对神经再生的作用.方法 选用Wistar大鼠45只,随机分为3组,每组15只,于术制成右后肢坐骨神经长10 mm的神经缺损,取兔胫神经制成去细胞神经基膜管,电镜及HE染色观察神经基膜管超微结构,流式细胞仪检测去细胞前后神经主要组织相容性抗原Ⅱ(MHC Ⅱ)的变化情况.A组以含有NGF的去细胞异种神经基膜管桥接神经缺损,B组单纯采用去细胞异种神经基膜管桥接神经缺损,C组采用自体神经移植修复神经缺损.术后1个月行神经电生理检测即胫后肌群运动诱发电位,用HE染色、免疫组化染色、透射电镜等方法对移植体远端吻个口再生神经纤维进行形态学观察,并对再生有髓神经纤维的数量、密度、直径及雪旺细胞的密度进行量化分析.结果 移植前新鲜神经组MHC-Ⅱ检测值为72.14±19.88,去细胞组MHC-Ⅱ检测值为4.19±3.11,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=3.817,P＜0.05);透射电镜观察显示为胶原性管道,无细胞成分.术后4周,处死前行运动诱发电位检测,神经传导速度A组为(21.16±2.31)m/s,B组为(13.37±1.89)m/s,C组为(21.43±2.18)m/s,A组与 C组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),A组与 B组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).组织学观察见3组移植体远端吻合口横切面再生神经纤维呈微束状,透射电镜观察再生神经纤维具有正常的形态和结构.A、C组再生神纤纤维数量及直径均优于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 经化学萃取的去细胞兔胫神经基膜管能够移植于大鼠,成功修复大鼠坐骨神经缺损,而且复合NGF的去细胞基膜管在神经修复质量上优于单纯的去细胞神经基膜管,更加接近自体神经移植的效果.     

靶肌肉注射睫状神经营养因子促周围神经再生的功能评价

目的 评价靶肌肉注射睫状神经营养因子(Ciliary Neumtrophic Factor，CNTE)对受损周围神经功能恢复的影响。方法 用硅胶管桥接80支大鼠左侧6mm长坐骨神经缺损，随机分为2组。分别行CNTF、生理盐水(NS)靶肌肉注射。术后行坐骨神经功能指数(SFI)测定、电生理检测、轴突图像分析及霍乱毒素-辣根过氧化物酶(CB-HRP)逆行追踪。结果 CNTE组SFI恢复率、各项电生理及轴突图像分析指标、CB-HRP标记的脊髓前角运动细胞数明显优于NS组。结论 靶肌肉注射CNTF可明显促进周围神经再生，提高神经功能恢复。     

化学去细胞异体神经修复神经缺损长度的实验研究

[目的]研究神经长度是否影响化学去细胞神经的质量及化学去细胞异体神经修复犬神经缺损的适当长度范围。[方法]切取犬的坐骨神经全长，截取直径近似段长度12cm，去除神经外膜的脂肪组织及血管，在5．0％Triton X-100和5．0％脱氧胆酸钠中重复消化得到化学去细胞神经；部分神经用于组织学评价，将12cm神经按顺序切割为6段，石蜡包埋制备切片，厚度5μm。HE染色和Fastblue染色，观察去细胞程度、神经细胞外基质结构完整性、髓鞘染色强度，观察每段神经的差异。在体内实验中，用化学去细胞异体神经桥接犬的坐骨神经缺损，缺损长度分别为8、10cm组，每组各有6条成年犬，随访时间12个月。观察动物肢体功能恢复、肌电图变化及再生神经组织学表现，包括HE染色、S-100免疫组织化学染色、乙酰胆碱酯酶染色。[结果]去细胞神经全长各段在去细胞程度、结构完整性及残余髓鞘染色综合评价中无差异。体内移植实验结果显示8cm去细胞异体神经移植组的犬在术后12个月踝关节可直立行走，而10cm去细胞异体神经移植组犬12个月时踝关节不能直立行走。肌电图检查结果显示，两组动物的手术肢体均可记录到诱发的运动和感觉电位。肌电图波幅、时限及运动神经传导速度结果显示，8cm移植组明显高于10cm移植组（P〈0．05）。组织学检查显示8cm移植组再生的神经轴突通过移植段神经到达远侧的神经中，并与所支配的肌肉建立新的运动终板联系，坐骨神经支配的小腿三头肌中有大量新生的运动终板形成。在10cm移植组有部分再生的神经纤维通过移植段神经进入远端的神经，小腿三头肌中新生的运动终板数量和大小明显低于8cm移植组（P〈0．05）。[结论]在化学去细胞神经的制备中，神经的长度对去细胞的质量无影响；化学去细胞异体神经修复神经缺损的长度若不超过8cm可取得较满意的功能康复结果。     

Autogenous venous graft with one-stage prepared Schwann cells as a conduit for repair of long segmental nerve defects

The use of autogenous venous graft with intraluminal injection of Schwann cells to enhance nerve regeneration of long segmental nerve defects was evaluated in a rabbit tibial nerve-repair model. Schwann cells were isolated from the excised rabbit tibial nerve by using the polylysine differential adhesion method. The cultured cells were identified by immunocytochemical labeling for S-100 protein. Tibial nerve defects in 4-cm segments were created in 24 animals, which were then divided into three groups. In Group 1, the tibial nerve defect was repaired with interposition vein graft alone; in Group 2, the nerve defect was repaired with a vein graft with intraluminal injection of Schwann-cell suspension; in Group 3, the nerve defect was repaired by autogenous nerve graft alone. At 2 months postoperatively, electrophysiologic evaluation showed that an evoked muscle action potential was recorded for the animals in Group 2, with vein grafting plus Schwann cells, and for those in Group 3, with autogenous nerve grafting, but not for those in Group 1, where vein grafting alone was used. The average motor nerve conduction velocity in the group with vein grafting and Schwann cells was 3.4 +/- 1.5 m/sec, which was slower than the nerve grafting group (7.8 +/- 1.8 m/sec). Histologic analysis confirmed there was formation of new nerve fascicles with myelination in the vein graft filled with Schwann cells. No nerve regrowth was found in the vein grafts without Schwann cells. These results suggested that isolated Schwann cells are able to survive in a vein graft, and that the vein graft with intraluminal seeded Schwann cells could be an alternative for repairing injured nerves with long gaps.     

Confocal imaging of Schwann-cell migration along muscle-vein combined grafts used to bridge nerve defects in the rat

Schwann cells guide axonal regrowth during peripheral nerve repair. In a case of a nerve lesion with substance loss, a graft conduit is necessary to enable axons to reach the distal nerve stump. If a non-nervous autograft is used, the question arises as to the presence and origin of Schwann cells along the grafted tube. We addressed this issue using a tubulization technique based on the use of an autologous vein filled with fresh skeletal muscle for the repair of sciatic nerve defects in the rat. We showed that both ends of the graft were early and progressively colonized by a number of glial fibrillar acid protein-immunopositive and S-100 immunonegative cells, an immunocytochemical pattern typical of immature Schwann cells. These cells, which were located in the interstice between grafted skeletal muscle fibers, are mainly organized into long chains oriented along the main axis of the graft and progressively colonize all the graft. Schwann cells coming from the distal nerve end are suitable for being responsible for guiding regeneration of nerve fibers along the graft toward the correct periphery (tissue specificity).     

犬化学去细胞神经同种异体移植的实验研究

目的以化学去细胞同种坐骨神经移植修复犬坐骨神经的长段缺损，观察其功能恢复及神经再生。方法15犬分成去细胞同种神经组(实验组)6犬、自体神经组(对照组Ⅰ)6犬、新鲜同种神经组(对照组Ⅱ)3犬。右侧坐骨神经造成5．0cm长缺损，以上述三种移植物桥接修复。术后6个月行步态分析、神经电生理及神经再生观察。结果实验组和对照组Ⅰ在运动功能恢复，踝关节运动步态，小腿二头肌运动诱发电位、感觉诱发电位，移植段内新生轴突、血管及雪旺细胞，远端胫神经内有髓神经纤维及靶肌肉运动终板等方面非常相似。对照组Ⅱ神经功能始终无恢复，移植段被吸收。结论化学去细胞同种神经移植物修复犬粗大长段神经缺损时不会被宿主排斥和吸收，其近期功能恢复及神经再生与自体神经移植无明显差别。     

Nerve regeneration across a 2-cm gap in the rat median nerve using a resorbable nerve conduit filled with Schwann cells

OBJECT: In a rat model, nerve regeneration was evaluated across a 2-cm defect in the median nerve by using a resorbable artificial nerve conduit. The aim of this study was to develop an artificial, biocompatible nerve guide to induce regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. METHODS: The authors compared a nerve conduit of trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone (TMC/CL) filled with autologous Schwann cells with both an empty hollow conduit and an autologous nerve graft. Animals that did not undergo surgery served as the control group. Nerve regeneration was evaluated with the grasping test, histological analysis of the nerve, muscle weight analysis (flexor digitorum superficialis muscle), and electrophysiological examination. After an observation period of 9 months, regeneration occurred only in animals that had received an autologous graft or a Schwann cell containing nerve conduit. No signs of regeneration were found in animals supplied with the empty conduit. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study reveal the important role of Schwann cells in the regeneration process across a 2-cm defect in the rat median nerve. Furthermore, Schwann cell-filled nerve conduits induced functional recovery, as demonstrated in the grasping test, that was comparable with that of the autologous graft 9 months after implantation.     

去细胞异体神经和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子修复神经缺损

目的　研究碱性成纤维细胞生长因子 (bFGF)对去细胞异体神经修复神经缺损的促进作用。　方法　根据bFGF因子用药浓度分为 10 0 0、5 0 0、2 5 0和 10 0U/ml与盐水对照组每组 5只日本大耳白兔。采用抗神经微丝免疫组化染色观察各组神经纤维再生的距离 ,抗S 10 0免疫组化染色观察许旺细胞的分布。研究不同浓度和剂量的外源性bFGF对去细胞支架移植后早期神经再生的影响。　结果　高浓度bFGF组 (10 0 0U/ml和 5 0 0U/ml)的神经再生距离在术后 10d明显大于盐水对照组 ,(P <0 0 1)。而低浓度bFGF组 (2 5 0U/ml和 10 0U/ml)与盐水对照组无明显差别 (P >0 0 5 )。　结论　去细胞异体神经移植后早期应用一定浓度和剂量的bFGF能明显提高再生轴突在支架内的生长速度。     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子对组织工程化外周神经的影响

目的　研究碱性成纤维细胞生长因子 (bFGF)和肝素与乳兔许旺细胞、去细胞基膜管、构成的复合型组织工程化外周神经桥接体修复兔正中神经缺损的效果。　方法　新西兰兔 48只 ,建立左侧上臂正中神经 3 0mm缺损模型 ,随机分为 4组 ,分别用去细胞基膜管种植许旺细胞并复合bFGF及肝素 (Hep)的桥接体 (A组 )、去细胞基膜管种植许旺细胞的桥接体 (B组 )、去细胞基膜管复合bFGF及Hep桥接体 (C组 )、自体神经 (D组 )修复神经缺损 ,于术后 1、3个月分别进行大体观察 ,Masson三色染色光镜观察神经再生、神经内胶原纤维形成及血管形成 ,3个月检测各组桥接体运动神经传导速度 ,并行透射电镜检查 ,称量指浅屈肌肌肉湿重 ,观察神经功能恢复。　结果　去细胞基膜管种植许旺细胞并复合bFGF及Hep的桥接体组 (A组 )神经再生及功能指标 (再生有髓神经纤维密度、平均髓鞘厚度、有髓纤维直径、运动神经传导速度、肌肉湿重恢复率 )与自体神经移植 (D组 )比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。　结论　bFGF及肝素与许旺细胞、去细胞神经基膜管构成的复合型组织工程神经桥接体修复神经缺损能提高神经再生质量。     

Nerve bypass grafting for the treatment of neuroma-in-continuity: an experimental study on the rat

The treatment of neuroma-in-continuity is controversial. To bypass neuroma-in-continuity with a nerve graft using end-to-side neurorrhaphy is considered to be theoretically a good option. To test this therapeutic modality, we performed a nerve bypass graft in a neuroma-in-continuity rat model. An obstructive neuroma-in-continuity was created in a transected peroneal nerve by interposition using the aponeurosis of the spinal muscles. In the experimental animals, (1) immediate, (2) 3-week delayed, or (3) no ulnar nerve bypass graft was performed. The peroneal functional index (PFI), conduction velocity, tibialis anterior muscle weight, and histomorphometric analyses were performed and compared with control (simply cut and repair) animals. On postoperative day 70, the recoveries of the PFI values, conduction velocity, and tibialis anterior muscle weight in the bypassed animals showed no significant differences as compared with the control animals, and the extent of these recoveries in the bypassed animals were significantly superior to those in the no-graft animals. In the histomorphometric analysis, the mean percent nerve in the bypassed animals was significantly larger than that in the no-graft animals. In conclusion, this technique may be a good alternative to the current therapeutic techniques for neuroma-in-continuity when there is a significant retained function.     

A new artificial nerve graft containing rolled Schwann cell monolayers

This study hypothesized that introducing high numbers of Schwann cells in monolayers via a novel rolled graft architecture would promote robust nerve regeneration. The objective was to place adherent Schwann cells in artificial nerve grafts and to assess regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden grafts compared with that through acellular grafts and autografts. Schwann cells were isolated from neonatal Fisher rats. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was harvested from adult Fisher rats, cut into 7 mm x 8 cm pieces, and pinned out. Schwann cells were plated onto the strips, allowed to reach confluence, and subsequently rolled into a laminar structure and implanted across a 7-mm gap in the rat sciatic nerve (n = 12). Control animals received SIS conduits without Schwann cells (n = 11) or autograft repair (n = 12). At 10.5 weeks, functional regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden grafts, measured by both sciatic function index and extensor postural thrust testing, exceeded that through the cell-free grafts and approached that achieved through autografts. These results highlight the role of Schwann cells in nerve regeneration. Regenerative results approaching autograft levels in the Schwann cell-laden group suggest that this methodology may ultimately be useful in clinical nerve repair.     

Use of chemically extracted muscle grafts to repair extended nerve defects in rats

Nerve regeneration, measured as axonal outgrowth, Schwann cell migration, macrophage invasion, and neovascularisation, was compared after repair of a 15 mm gap in rats' sciatic nerves using autologous muscle grafts made acellular either by freezing and thawing or by chemical extraction. Both extracted and freeze-thawed acellular muscle grafts could be used to bridge the defect. However, axons and Schwann cells, as shown by immunohistochemical staining for neurofilaments and S-100 protein, respectively, grew faster into the extracted muscle grafts than into the freeze-thawed acellular muscle grafts and somewhat more axons were observed in the former graft. There were no significant differences between the two graft types with respect to neovascularisation as showed by staining for endothelial alkaline phosphatase, and limited differences concerning invasion of macrophages (ED1 and ED2) as detected by immunocytochemistry. The results showed that chemically extracted muscle grafts could be used to bridge an extended nerve defect and that such grafts in some aspects were superior to freeze-thawed muscle grafts for extended gaps.     

Use of chemically extracted muscle grafts to repair extended nerve defects in rats.

Nerve regeneration, measured as axonal outgrowth, Schwann cell migration, macrophage invasion, and neovascularisation, was compared after repair of a 15 mm gap in rats' sciatic nerves using autologous muscle grafts made acellular either by freezing and thawing or by chemical extraction. Both extracted and freeze-thawed acellular muscle grafts could be used to bridge the defect. However, axons and Schwann cells, as shown by immunohistochemical staining for neurofilaments and S-100 protein, respectively, grew faster into the extracted muscle grafts than into the freeze-thawed acellular muscle grafts and somewhat more axons were observed in the former graft. There were no significant differences between the two graft types with respect to neovascularisation as showed by staining for endothelial alkaline phosphatase, and limited differences concerning invasion of macrophages (ED1 and ED2) as detected by immunocytochemistry. The results showed that chemically extracted muscle grafts could be used to bridge an extended nerve defect and that such grafts in some aspects were superior to freeze-thawed muscle grafts for extended gaps.     

Nerve regeneration and functional recovery after a sciatic nerve gap is repaired by an acellular nerve allograft made through chemical extraction in canines

The purpose of the present study is to test whether chemically extracted acellular nerve segments can be used to repair the sciatic nerve gap. Fifteen canines were divided into acellular nerve allografting group (ANG, six canines), autografting group (AG, six canines), and fresh nerve allografting group (FNG, three canines). The sciatic nerves on the right side of the animals were exposed, and 5-cm-long segments of the nerves were removed from the midthigh level and replaced by the three types of grafts. At 6 months after grafting, all animals in the ANG and AG had similar patterns of right posterior limb gait cycle and right ankle movements. Moreover, the animals in the ANG and AG had similar nerve regeneration, with dense regeneration fibers in the distal tibial nerves and obvious motor end plates in the target muscle. But in FNG, the area surrounding the graft was scarred as the result of inflammation, and there was a brown central area where there was little nerve regeneration. All of the above shows that chemical acellular nerve allografting can be used to repair a gap as long as 5 cm in the continuity of the sciatic nerve in canines and has similar effects to autografting.     

Peripheral nerve regeneration by transplantation of bone marrow stromal cell-derived Schwann cells in adult rats

OBJECT: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can be induced to form Schwann cells by sequentially treating the cells with beta-mercaptoethanol and retinoic acid, followed by forskolin and neurotrophic factors including heregulin. In this study the authors made artificial grafts filled with BMSC-derived Schwann cells (BMSC-DSCs) and transplanted them into the transected sciatic nerve in adult rats to evaluate the potential of BMSCs as a novel alternative method of peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: The BMSC-DSCs were suspended in Matrigel and transferred into hollow fibers (12 mm in length), which were transplanted into the transected sciatic nerve in adult Wistar rats. Six months after cell transplantation, electrophysiological evaluation and walking track analysis were performed. Results of these studies showed significant improvement in motor nerve conduction velocity and sciatic nerve functional index in the BMSC-DSC-transplanted group compared with the control group (Matrigel graft only). Immunohistochemical study data demonstrated that transplanted BMSCs labeled with retrovirus green fluorescent protein were positive for P0 and myelin-associated glycoprotein and had reconstructed nodes of Ranvier and remyelinated regenerated nerve axons. The number of regenerated axons in the axial section of the central portion of the graft was significantly greater in the transplanted group. Although BMSCs can differentiate into several types of cells, tumor formation did not occur 6 months after engraftment. CONCLUSIONS: Results in this study indicate that BMSC-DSCs have great potential to promote regeneration of peripheral nerves. The artificial graft made with BMSC-DSCs represents an alternative method for the difficult reconstruction of a long distance gap in a peripheral nerve.     

不同传入神经损伤对大鼠神经病理性痛形成的影响及其与脊髓和背根神经节BDNF的关系

目的 探讨不同传入神经损伤对大鼠神经病理性痛形成的影响及其与脊髓和背根神经节(DRG)脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)的关系.方法 雄性SD大鼠24只,随机分为3组(n=8):假手术组(S组)、腓肠神经损伤组(SUR组)和腓肠肌-比目鱼肌(GS)神经损伤组(GS组).SUR组和GS组分别暴露腓肠神经和GS神经并剪断,S组仅暴露腓肠神经和GS神经而不剪断.于术前1 d和术后3、7 d时测定大鼠机械痛阈.于术后7 d痛阈测定结束后,取术侧L5的DRG和脊髓节段,测定脊髓背角的BDNF表达,计算BDNF阳性神经元和受损神经元(ATF-3阳性神经元)占总DRG神经元的百分比和ATF-3阳性神经元中BDNF阳性神经元的百分比.结果 与术前1 d时比较,GS组术后各时点机械痛阈降低(P＜0.01).与S组和SUR组比较,GS组机械痛阈降低,脊髓背角BDNF表达上调,BDNF阳性神经元占总DRG神经元的百分比升高(P＜0.01);S组和SUR组各指标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与SUR组比较,GS组ATF-3阳性神经元占总DRG神经元的百分比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而ATF-3阳性神经元中BDNF阳性神经元的百分比升高(P＜0.05).结论 切断来自大鼠骨骼肌的传入神经可形成神经病理性痛,其原因与上调DRG和脊髓背角中BDNF的表达有关;而切断来自皮肤的传入神经则不会形成神经病理性痛.