Siatic nerve regeneration in rats stimulated by fibrin glue containing nerve growth factor: an experimental study

Objective

To study the effects of fibrin sealant containing nerve growth factor on the peripheral nerve regeneration.

Study design

A four-group experimental design with repeated measures on one factor was used.

Methods

Fibrin glue (FG) containing NGF was injected into the site of end-and-end sutured peripheral nerve (sciatic nerve) (group I: NGF + FG), meanwhile three control groups were set-up: group II (NGF), group III (FG), and group IV (normal saline). Observation to the function and morphology of the sciatic nerve was carried out at the end of 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with the appropriate post hoc between-groups comparison test.

Results

Electrophysiological testing. The NAP and NCV of group I (NGF + FG) were greater than those of group II (NGF), group III (FG), or group IV (normal saline) (p < 0.05). Sciatic functional index (SFI). It began to ameliorate at 4 weeks postoperation and SFI increased as time went on. And the SFI in group I (NGF + FG) was better than those in group II (NGF), group III (FG), or group IV (normal saline) (p < 0.05). Morphology. In the MGF-stained sections, dissociated myelin debris was less and regenerated nerve fibres were in larger quantities in group I (NGF + FG) than in other groups. In the HE-stained sections, regenerated nerve fibres distal to anastomosis significantly increased, and axon and myelin had a clearer outline in group I (NGF + FG) than in other groups. Electron microscopy indicated that the regenerated nerve fibres were more mature and the development of the axons was greater in group I than in other control groups.

Conclusions

FG can be used as carrier of exogenous NGF, and they can provide synergistic effects for the peripheral nerve regeneration after the integration of the two.