2015•Translational Neuroscience and ClinicsRequires access
Controlled release of nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor combined with small-gap anastomosis enhances sciatic nerve regeneration
Xiyuan Wang, Xiyuan Wang, Lin Chen, Huancong Zuo, Huagang Liu, Liu Ji, Shanker Sharma Hari, Sharma Aruna, Qiang Ao, Lin Chen, Huancong Zuo, Huagang Liu, Liu Ji, Shanker Sharma Hari, Sharma Aruna, Qiang Ao
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Abstract
ObjectivesNerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury is a slow process with a limited degree of functional recovery, resulting in a high disability rate. Thus, accelerating the rate of nerve regeneration and improving the degree of nerve repair is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to investigate the role of growth factor gel combined with small-gap nerve anastomosis in the regeneration of sciatic nerve injury in rats. This was achieved by injecting nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gel into a silicon chamber that bridged the transection of the nerve.MethodsIn 27 randomly chosen Sprague Dawley rats, a sharp blade was used to transect the right hind leg sciatic nerve. The rats were divided into 3 groups: in groups A and B, silicon tubes containing NGF and bFGF gel or saline, respectively, were used to bridge the nerve proximal and distal ends (3-mm gap), and in group C, the nerve proximal and distal ends were directly sutured. Eight weeks after surgery, the sciat...