EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE REPAIRING EFFECT OF ACELLULAR NERVE ALLOGRAFTS ON THE SCIATIC NERVE GAP OF RAT

Objective To observe the repairing effect of the acellular nerve allografts on the sciatic nerve gap of rat. Methods The acellular nerve allografts,treated by hypotonic-chemical detergent,were put on the 10 mm gap of the sciatic nerve in the rat.The action potential of the regenerated nerves was determined by the electrophysiologic method 13 weeks after operation.The morphology of the regenerated nerves was observed under light microscope and electron microscope,and the results were analyzed statistically. Results No inflammation and rejected reaction were found in the period of 13 weeks after operation in the operated and control groups.There was no significant difference in number of the regenerated nerve fibers,diameter of the axons,and the thickness of the regenerated myelinated nerve between the experimental group and control group.Conclusion The present results indicated that the acellular nerve allografts had good biocompatibility for the host rat in vivo and might as a bridge promote the regeneration of the injured sciatic nerve.;