Mast cells improve functional recovery of transected peripheral nerve: A novel preliminary study

BackgroundEmployment of regenerative properties of cells at the service of nerve repair has been initiated during recent decades. Effects of local transplantation of bone marrow-derived mast cells on peripheral nerve regeneration were studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model.Materials and methodsA 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a conduit chitosan-based hybrid conduit filled with BMMCs in BMMC group. In positive control group (Pos), the conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. In negative control (Neg) a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was created and the nerve stumps were sutured to the adjacent muscles. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied functionally, biomechanically, histologically and immunohiscochemically.ResultsFunctional and biomechanical studies confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in BMMCs transplanted animals compared to Pos group (p < 0.05). Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in BMMCs transplanted animals than in Pos group (p < 0.05). In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in BMMCs transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in Pos group.ConclusionsBMMCs transplantation could be considered as a readily accessible source of cells that could improve functional recovery of transected sciatic nerve.     

Effect of local administration of cyclosporine A on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model

Objective： To assess the effect of cyclosporine A （CsA） loaded in chitosan conduit on bridg- ing the sciatic nerve defects in a rat model. Methods： A 10 mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with 10 μl carrier-drug dilu- tion （10 pg/L CsA）. In control group, the conduit was filled with the same volume of carrier dilution alone. The regene- rated fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Results： The functional study confirmed faster recov- ery of the regenerated axons in treatment group than control group （P〈0.05）. There was statistically significant differ- ence of the gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios between treatment and control groups （P〈0.05）. Morphometric indi-ces of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diam- eter of the myelinated fibers in CsA-treated animals were significantly higher than those in control group. In immunohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CsA group was clearly more positive than control group. Conclusion： CsA loaded in a chitosan conduit results in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative mor- phometric indices of sciatic nerve. It is easily available with- out any complications compared with its systemic administration.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection in rat

Objective：To evaluate the local effect of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） on transected sciatic nerve regeneration.Methods：Sixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups randomly （n=15）.In transected group the left sciatic nerve was transected and the stump was fixed to adjacent muscle.In treatment group the defect was bridged using a silicone graft filled with 10μL VEGF.In silicone group the graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline.In sham-operated group the sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated.Each group was subdivided into three subgroups with five animals in each and nerve fibers were studied 4,8 and 12 weeks after operation.Results：Behavioral test,functional study of sciatic nerve,gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed a faster recovery of regenerated axons in VEGF group than in silicone group （P〈0.05）.In immunohistochemical assessment,reactions to S-100 in VEGF group were more positive than that in silicone group.Conclusion：Local administration of VEGF will improve functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.     

Local Polyethylene Glycol in Combination with Chitosan Based Hybrid Nanofiber Conduit Accelerates Transected Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Objective: The incapability to promptly improve behavioral function after discontinuation of peripheral nerves is a current problem in clinical practice. Effect of local polyethylene glycol in combination with chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit was assessed. Study Design: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit (Chitosan) filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In authograft group (AUTO), a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. In polyethylene glycol-treated group (CHIT/PEG), the conduit was filled with polyethylene glycol solution. The regenerated fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery. Results: The behavioral and functional tests confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in PEG-treated group compared to Chitosan group (p < .05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of CHIT/PEG and Chitosan groups (p < .05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in CHIT/PEG than in Chitosan. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CHIT/PEG was clearly more positive than Chitosan group. Conclusion: polyethylene glycol solution when loaded in a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit resulted in acceleration of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.     

Acetyl Salicylic Acid Locally Enhances Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Transection in Rat

Local effect of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Forty-five male healthy White Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: Sham-operation (SHAM), control (SIL), and ASA-treated (SIL/ASA) groups. In SHAM group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis the muscle was sutured. In SIL group the left sciatic nerve was exposed the same way and transected proximal to tibio-peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10-mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube and filled with 10 μl phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/ASA group defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with 10 μl acetyl salisylic acid (0.1 mg/ml). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Data were analyzed statistically by factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test for pair-wise comparisons. Functional study confirmed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in SIL/ASA than in SIL group (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in SIL/ASA was significantly more than in SIL group. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/ASA were significantly higher than in control group. In immuohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in SIL/ASA was clearly more positive than in SIL group. Response to local treatment of ASA demonstrates that it influences and improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration.     

Local effect of celecoxib on peripheral nerve repair com- bined with silicone tubulization in rat

Objective： To assess local effect of celecoxib on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transec- tion model. Methods： Forty-five male healthy white Wistar rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups （n= 15 for each）： sham-operation （SHAM）, control （SIL） and celecoxib treated （SIL/CLX） groups. In SHAM group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed and after homeo- stasis muscle was sutured. In SIL group the left sciatic nerve was exposed in the same way and transected proximal to tibioperoneal bifurcation leaving a 10 mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube and filled with 10 gl phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/CLX group defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with 10 μl celecoxib （0.1 g/L）. Results： Functional study and gastrocnemius muscle mass confirmed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in SIL/CLX than in SIL group （P〈0.05）. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/CLX were significantly greater than those in control group. In immunohistochemistry, lo- cation of reactions to S-100 in SIL/CLX was clearly more positive than that in SIL group. Conclusion： Response to local treatment ofcelecoxib demonstrates that it influences and improves functional re- covery of peripheral nerve regeneration.     

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.     

甲壳素涂层并预置引导纤维神经导管的实验研究

目的探讨甲壳素涂层并预置引导纤维神经导管修复周围神经缺损的效果。方法成年雌性SD大鼠24只，无菌条件下切断双侧坐骨神经，制成14mm的大鼠坐骨神经缺损模型。根据不同修复材料随机分为4组，每组6只。A组：甲壳素涂层并预置引导纤维的聚乳酸聚羟基乙酸共聚物（polyglycolic-lacticacid，PGLA）神经导管；B组：甲壳素涂层的PGLA神经导管；C组：单纯PGLA神经导管；D组：自体神经移植作为对照。术后4周和12周行大体观察、肌电图检查、S-100免疫组织化学染色和组织学观察，图像分析评价修复效果。结果术后4周A、B及C组观察到神经导管中有新生轴索通过，再生神经发育不成熟；D组近段有髓神经纤维均匀疏散分布，远段未见明显再生神经束形成。术后12周各组再生神经已通过神经导管长入远端，肌电图、S100免疫组织化学染色和图像分析结果表明A组再生神经轴突数量及再生神经质量优于B、C组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。D组移植神经轴突直径、髓鞘厚度、纤维密度与A、B及C组比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），但D组近段神经髓鞘部分空泡样变性及脱髓鞘改变，远段再生神经束形成少。结论甲壳素涂层并预置引导纤维的神经导管能有效修复周围神经缺损。     

Nonexpanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Local Therapy on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Allografts

Aim of the study: Adipose tissue possesses a population of multi-potent stem cells which can be differentiated to a Schwann cell phenotype and may be of benefit for treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Effects of local therapy of nonexpanded adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using allografts in a rat sciatic nerve model. Materials and Methods: Thirty male white Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10), randomly: Sham-operated group (SHAM), allograft group (ALLO), SVF-treated group (ALLO/SVF). In SHAM group left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In the ALLO group the left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and transected proximal to the tibio-peroneal bifurcation where a 10 mm segment was excised. The same procedure was performed in the ALLO/SVF group. The harvested nerves of the rats of ALLO group were served as allograft for ALLO/SVF group and vice versa. The SHAM and ALLO groups received 100 μL phosphate buffered saline and the ALLO/SVF group received 100 μL SVF (2.25 ± 0.45 × 10⁷ cells) locally where the grafting was performed. Results: Behavioral, functional, biomechanical, and gastrocnemius muscle mass showed earlier regeneration of axons in ALLO/SVF than in ALLO group (p < .05). Histomorphometic and immunohistochemical studies also showed earlier regeneration of axons in ALLO/SVF than in ALLO group (p < .05). Conclusions: Administration of nonexpanded SVF could accelerate functional recovery after nerve allografting in sciatic nerve. It may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after nerve transection.     

Effect of local administration of insulin-like growth factor I combined with inside-out artery graft on peripheral nerve regeneration

The objective was to assess the effect of topically administered insulin-like growth factor (IGF I) on peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Eighty male healthy white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 20), randomly: in transected group (TC), the left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in the adjacent muscle. In treatment group, defect was bridged using an inside-out artery graft (IOAG/IGF) filled with 10 μL IGF I (100 ng/kg). In artery graft group (IOAG), the graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. In sham-operated group (SHAM), sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into five subgroups of five animals each and regenerated nerve fibres were studied 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after surgery. Behavioural testing, sciatic nerve functional study, gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in IOAG/IGF than IOAG group (P < 0.05). In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in IOAG/IGF was clearly more positive than that in IOAG group. When loaded in an artery graft, IGF I accelerated and improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.     

First place--Resident Basic Science Award 1990. Fibronectin-laminin combination enhances peripheral nerve regeneration across long gaps

An exogenous fibronectin-laminin (FN-LAM) solution was added into silicone chambers to determine the effects on peripheral nerve regeneration across 18-mm long gaps. The sciatic nerves of adult rats were sutured into silicone chambers 20 mm in length, creating an 18-mm gap between the proximal and distal nerve stumps. The chambers were filled with either a mixture of fibronectin and laminin (500 micrograms/ml each) or a solution of cytochrome C (1 mg/ml) as the control. After six weeks, the animals were killed and the chambers were examined for regeneration. Seventy percent of the animals from the FN-LAM group demonstrated regeneration across the 18-mm gaps, compared to only 30% in the control group. The combination of FN-LAM significantly increased the number of axons that grew into the distal end of the chamber (FN-LAM, 1325 +/- 522; cytochrome C, 153 +/- 104; p = 0.03). Examination of the distal tributaries of the sciatic nerve revealed axons only in the FN-LAM group; none were found in the control group. Quantitative analysis of neurons, retrogradely labeled with horseradish peroxidase via injection of the sciatic nerve distal to the regenerated segment, revealed a greater number of sensory and motor neurons in the FN-LAM group compared to the control group. Morphometric studies revealed that the mean area of the regenerated segment in the FN-LAM group was 37% larger than the controls, and ultrastructural analysis demonstrated a more mature regenerated nerve. This is the first in vivo demonstration that this combination of fibronectin and laminin significantly enhances the regeneration of myelinated axons across a long nerve gap in the rat sciatic nerve.     

Functional recovery of sciatic nerve through inside-out vein graft in rats

Objective: Present study aimed at further comprehensive functional, histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration using rat sciatic nerve transection model.Methods: The 10-mm rat sciatic nerve gap was created in rats. In control group nerve stumps were sutured to adjacent muscle and in treatment group the gap was bridged using an inside-out vein graft. In sham-operated group the nerve was manipulated and left intact. All animals underwent walking track analysis test 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery.Subsequently, muscle mass measurement was performed to assess reenervation, histological examination to observe the sciatic nerve regeneration morphologically and immunohistochemistry to detect Schwann cells using anti S-100. Results were analyzed using a factorial ANOVA with two between-subjects factors. Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons was used to examine the effect of treatments.Results: Functional analysis ofmyelinated nerve fibers showed that nerve function improved significantly in the time course in treatment group. However, quantitative morphometrical analysis of myelinated nerve fibers showed that there was no significant difference between 8 and 12 weeks in treatment group. Muscle weight ratio was bigger and weight loss of the gastrocnemius muscle was ameliorated by inside-out vein grafting. The position of positive immunohistochemical reactions further implied that regenerated axons and Schwann cell-like cells existed after vein grafting was performed, and was accompanied by the process of myelination and structural recovery of regenerated nerves.Conclusion: Functional analysis of peripheral nerve repair is far more reliable than quantitative morphometrical analysis     

甲壳质套管桥接周围神经长度极限的研究

目的 通过采用不同间隙套接修复大鼠坐骨神经损伤的实验研究,探讨甲壳质套管桥接修复周围神经损伤的长度极限.方法 SPF级健康成年雄性SD大鼠24只,于大鼠右侧坐骨神经分叉处以上5 mm建立坐骨神经离断伤模型,部分切除坐骨神经后使用甲壳质套管桥接修复,使神经断端间留有2、5、8和10 mm间隙.8周后常规锇酸染色,镜下观察套管远端有髓神经纤维数目、轴突平均面积、髓鞘平均厚度及腓肠肌平均湿重,并进行定量组织学分析.结果 术后8周显示2 mm小间隙组神经纤维已有80%再生,再生效果最佳,与其他组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).随着间隙距离逐渐增加,神经纤维再生效果逐渐变差;5 mm间隙组再生约60%,效果优于8 mm间隙组(P＜0.01);8 mm间隙组再生约20%,优于10 mm间隙组(P＜0.01);10 mm间隙组只有1%有髓神经纤维成功长入远端,肌肉湿重降至正常的42.9%.结论 使用甲壳质套管桥接修复大鼠坐骨神经损伤时,2 mm左右小间隙套接修复效果最佳,5 mm间隙是修复后周围神经功能得到恢复的极限间隙,10 mm是神经单靠趋化性、营养作用再生的最大间隙.     

Regeneration of rat sciatic nerve across a LactoSorb bioresorbable conduit with interposed short-segment nerve grafts

OBJECT: This study was conducted to evaluate peripheral nerve regeneration through a conduit composed of a bioresorbable material (LactoSorb). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 250 g were randomized into five groups. A 20-mm-long sciatic nerve gap was created, then it was bridged by a reverse nerve autograft (Group I), an empty silicone tube (Group II), a silicone tube containing a short (2-mm) interposed nerve segment (Group III), an empty LactoSorb conduit (Group IV), or a LactoSorb conduit containing a 2-mm interposed nerve segment (Group V). The intact sciatic nerve served as the control in each animal. At 16 weeks postoperatively, no nerve regeneration was observed through either the empty silicone tube or the empty LactoSorb conduit. There was regeneration in all animals receiving the reverse autograft as well as in all animals receiving the silicone or LactoSorb conduit containing the 2-mm interposed nerve segment. Effective regeneration was assessed based on histological, electrophysiological, and morphometric criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a conduit made of resorbable material will support sciatic nerve regeneration over a critical gap defect.     

Functional assessment of sciatic nerve recovery: biodegradable poly (DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide filled with fresh skeletal muscle

The aim of this study was to compare functional peripheral nerve recovery in the rat sciatic nerve model after reconstruction of a 10-mm gap with a biodegradable poly (DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide, as filled with either fresh skeletal muscle or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). During 24 weeks of recovery, motor and sensory functional evaluation was tested by extensor postural thrust (EPT) and withdrawal reflex latency (WRL), respectively. At the end of the experiment, anesthetized animals were prepared for motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) studies, followed by gastrocnemius and soleus muscle weight measurement. Motor functional recovery was greater in the muscle-grafted group, and reached a significant difference from weeks 8-12 (P < 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that filling a nerve guide with fresh skeletal muscle induces faster maturation of regenerated nerve fibers in comparison with traditional tubular repair.     

硫酸肝素复合胶原蛋白支架材料桥接大鼠坐骨神经的形态学研究

目的以形态学方法观测硫酸肝素复合胶原蛋白支架材料桥接大鼠坐骨神经10mm缺损的疗效。方法以硫酸肝素复合胶原蛋白经冷冻干燥技术制备新型神经组织支架材料,并用此材料桥接修复SD大鼠坐骨神经缺损10mm,术后36周分别以辣根过氧化物酶(HRP)逆行示踪,HE、甲苯氨蓝和镀银染色法,S100、生长相关蛋白43(GAP-43)、神经丝蛋白(NF)免疫组化染色法、MBP免疫荧光染色法及透射电镜等形态学方法观测其引导神经再生的疗效。结果硫酸肝素复合胶原蛋白支架材料在移植术后36周已神经化。除再生有髓神经纤维的密度低于自体移植,有髓神经纤维的面积和髓鞘厚度与自体移植组无明显差异。结论以硫酸肝素复合胶原蛋白制备的神经组织工程支架材料,可以引导神经再生。     

Study of in vivo differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells into schwann cell-like cells

In order to raise an abundant and accessible reservoir for Schwann cells (SCs), which are used as seed cells for constructing tissue-engineered nerve grafts, we investigated the feasibilty of in vivo differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) into SC-like cells. In this study, MSCs were harvested from adult rats' bone marrow, culture-expanded, and characterized. Subcultured MSCs were then labeled with Hoechst 33342, followed by transplantation into the nerve regeneration chamber, which was made of a silicone tube bridging the sciatic nerve defect of the rats. Four weeks after surgery, some of the differentiated MSCs turned into SC-like cells immunopositive to S-100 protein, accompanied by myelination of the regenerated nerve fibers. Walking-track analyses provided evidence that transplantation of MSCs contributed to reconstruction of the sciatic nerve and reinnervation of target tissues. The experimental results suggest that MSCs are capable of differentiating into SC-like cells in vivo, making them a promising candidate for cell transplantation in peripheral nerve repair.     

Long-term result of guided nerve regeneration with an inert microporous polytetrafluoroethylene conduit

Thedevelopmentinmicrosurgicaltechniqueshasgreatlyimprovednervefunctionalrecovery .However ,owingtotheinabilitytocoaptateandsuturethousandsofnervefiberstotheirfunctionallysimilarnervefibersandinaccuratesutureofthenervestumps ,regeneratednervefiberspartiallylosethechancetoselectivelyregrowintotheirtargetendoneurialtubes,1 4whichresultsinaninevitablemismatchofmotorandsensorynervefibers .Thus,thecontact guidance basedmicrosurgicalnerverepairhasfailedtoachieveconsistentsatisfactoryfunctionalrecover…     

同种异体神经复合体修复兔坐骨神经缺损的研究

目的 用种植胎兔雪旺细胞的去细胞同种异体神经复合体修复兔缺损的坐骨神经,观察坐骨神经再生及功能恢复.方法 健康成年新西兰白兔48只,体质量1.5-2.0 kg,随机分成2组.两组动物均切除一段坐骨神经,造成2.0 cm长的缺损.实验组:用种植胎兔雪旺细胞的同种异体神经复合体修复坐骨神经.对照组:仅用去细胞同种异体神经修复.术后4、8、16周进行大体观察、标本光镜和电镜观察且进行量化分析、肌湿重检测.结果 手术区局部均未出现明显的排斥反应,实验组足部溃疡愈合情况优于对照组,实验组再生神经纤维数目、有髓神经纤维轴突直径、髓鞘厚度4、8、16周分别为(906.25±30.68,1726.25±51.89,2825.13±22.79)、(5.35±0.62,5.46±0.38,5.59±0.80),(1.65±0.37,1.75±0.41,1.83±0.49)均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).小腿三头肌湿重于术后4周两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),实验组术后8、16周分别为(5.62±0.99,7.38±0.26)恢复优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 种植雪旺细胞的去细胞同种异体神经复合体对神经再生及功能恢复有更好的促进作用.     

周围神经移植修复脊髓损伤的实验研究

目的：探讨自体坐骨神经移植修复脊髓损伤的可行性。方法：将58只雌性Wistar大鼠分为二组，实验组：采用显微外科技术，将50只大鼠于T13水平切除左半侧脊髓10mm，再取右侧坐骨神经10mm移植到脊髓缺损处，近端接脊髓，远端接马尾，分别于术后2、4、6、8、12、22周在光镜和电镜下观察移植处坐骨神经、吻合口远端马尾神经、左后肢坐骨神经再生情况，并用摄像机记录患肢功能恢复情况。对照组：8只大鼠，于13水平切除左半侧脊髓10mm，不移植坐骨神经，观察脊髓缺损远端马尾神经和左右肢坐骨神经再生情况。结果：对照组坐骨神经的轴突及髓鞘部分崩解，密度降低，无再生轴突形成。实验组术后4周电镜下偶见移植处坐骨神经髓鞘及轴突形成，术后8周光镜及电镜下可见较多细的有髓神经纤维，22周时接近正常；同时观察到左后肢坐骨神经再生；大鼠后肢功能部分恢复，肌力达3级。结论：大鼠脊髓损伤后有再生能力，周围神经移植修复脊髓损伤是可行的。