The experimental study of bridging of peripheral nerve defect by chitosan-NGF nerve guide tube

Objective To observe the nerve regeneration by using chitosan nerve growth factor(NGF) nerve guide as tubing chambers to bridge the sciatic nerve defects of rats.Methods 60 Wistar rats were chosen randomly , A 15mm defect was produced in the right sciatic nerve of each rat. Chitosan NGF(group A) and chitosan (group B) nerve guides were used to bridge the nerve defects. Gross observation, microanatomical observation , histological examination, electro microscopic examination and nerve electrophysiological examination were carried out at 4, 12, 24 week postoperatively. Results The results of nerve regeneration, vascularization , nerve fibers arrangement, myelination, nerve function reconstruction in group A were better than those in group B.Conclusion The regenerated sciatic nerves of rats are provided with good regeneration microcircumstance by chitosan nerve guide, and NGF can accelerate the regeneration.